Free Online Classes

FamilySearch now offers 81 free lessons on FamilySearch.org, enabling people anywhere in the world to access family history experts anytime. The topics range from basic research to training on specific record types and are for both beginners and experienced researchers. All of the classes can be accessed on www.familysearch.org by clicking on "Free Online Classes."

News From FamilySearch

The update of the New FamilySearch Training database is now complete. You can access the training database at http://training.familysearch.org/ and sign in with your LDS account. The exercises have been updated to include additional practice scenarios. After completing the exercises, you are encouraged to expire your account and begin using the new FamilySearch at https://new.familysearch.org/. Please note: The maps option is unavailable at this time, as is the Common Questions section. These two features are still under construction and will be available soon.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Boise Area Fall Family History Conference will be held at the Nampa North Stake Center (6111 Birch Lane) on Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This conference is sponsored by the Community Connections Department at BYU-Idaho. It will include a choice of lecture style classes geared to the beginning, intermediate, and advanced family historian. Classes include instruction in the New FamilySearch, Family Insight, Beginning Your Research, Resourceful Research Tools on the Internet, New Features in Ancestral Quest, and many, many more! If you would like a copy of the complete schedule, I can make a copy for you. Course handouts will be posted on the BYU-Idaho website at least one week prior to the conference. You will be responsible for providing your own handouts. To register, go to the following website: www.byui.edu/cc/familyhistory/registration.htm Registration fee is $10 online with a deadline of October 12. At-the-door fee will be $12. Come for all or part of the day.

Integrated software for Apple is ready!

A certified Record Manager for the Apple MacIntosh is ready. After over 18 months of development and coordination with FamilySearch Developer Support, MacFamilyTree version 6 is fully integrated with new.FamilySearch.org. Get the details about their public beta test at http://www.syniumsoftware.com/macfamilytree6/topfeatures.html

Inspirational videos available

Nine videos from the widely acclaimed "Celebration of Family History" that was presented at the Conference Center in April as part of the National Genealogical Society annual gathering are available to view online at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfXVvWb0qOQ These are very inspirational videos that you will want to share with your family and friends.

Military Links

The following websites give access to military records, which may be beneficial as you search for your veteran ancestors: http://www.searchforancestors.com/military.html http://www.all-genealogysites.com/Military/ http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/military/ http://olivetreegenealogy.com/mil/index.shtml http://www.militaryarchiveresearch.com/Genealogy.htm http://www.kindredtrails.com/military.html http://geneasearch.com/military.htm http://dmoz.org/Society/Genealogy/Military http://www.archives.gov/veterans/research/genealogy.html