We’ve been working hard on the FamilySearch Alpha. So hard in fact that with today’s updates we’ve switched the label to Beta. We expect that the project will be in a beta phase for an extended period of time until it is ready to replace the current FamilySearch.org web site. As with all beta systems there are some known and unknown glitches and some particular areas of focus that we’d like feedback on. Your feedback is critical to helping us improve so PLEASE click the feedback link and tell us what you like and don’t like. See the Feedback Needed section below for more information.

Here’s a quick overview of the FamilySearch Beta, what to expect in this release, what areas we’d really like to get feedback on some known issues, and what will be coming next.

What is the FamilySearch Beta?

The FamilySearch Beta is a project that will eventually replace the current www.FamilySearch.org website with a new site at the same address that integrates all of the new technologies and record sets we’ve been working on (like Record Search, Family Tree, Research Wiki, etc.) into one easy to use experience. Instead of using these tools individually, you will simply go to www.FamilySearch.org to work on your family history.

What to Expect in this Release

This is an early beta that will continue to evolve and expand until it is ready to replace www.familysearch.org. Not all features are implemented. You will discover that some links lead to pages that say this feature has not been implemented yet. You will also follow links to portions of the site that are still poorly integrated or in some cases, not integrated at all. This will change over time.

Feedback Needed

We are grateful for any feedback you’d like to share with us. Simply click the feedback link in the upper right hand corner of the FamilySearch Beta to share your thoughts. There are particular portions of the FamilySearch Beta where we could really use your feedback.

• Overall look and feel of the site
• Blog section
• Library section

Known Issues

• The search feature does not currently search Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File, the International Genealogical Index or new FamilySearch. We anticipate adding the ability to search this content in the future.
• The Family History Center Locator is not yet implemented
• The Family History Library Catalog is not yet implemented
• The FamilySearch Wiki is not yet integrated although it can be accessed through the FamilySearch Beta through the Learning section

Coming Soon

• We will be adding new features monthly so be sure to come back often and see the site evolve.
• We are busy working on a major overhaul to search features of the site. Watch for a major upgrade to the search features around the beginning of the year.

We’ve been working to refine the designs of the FamilySearch Alpha project. Thanks to so many of you that have provided feedback through comments on the blog or using our feedback links. Please keep it coming. Here are some almost-but-not-quite-ripe design concepts. Take a look and let us know what you think.

We’ve made some small tweaks to the home page. The images below show tweaks to the other main ‘landing’ pages and sub-pages. Take a look and let us know what you think.

Indexing. The Indexing landing page helps people volunteer and start indexing names from historical records.

Learning. The Learning landing page provides access to the following pages.

Learning Courses. Learning courses presents a complete catalog of both online courses and courses taught in the Family History Library.

Topical Article. Topical or skill-based articles that are created and maintained by a community of volunteers.

Location Article. Location-specific articles that are created and maintained by a community of volunteers.

Family History Library Landing Page. The Family History Library landing page provides access to the following pages.

Find a Family History Center. The Find a Family History Center page allows you to do a map-based search for Family History Centers around the world.

Family History Library Class Schedule. The class schedule shows upcoming classes that will be held at the Family History Library.

Family History Library Map and Directions. The map and directions will help people find their way to the library.

Search Landing Page. The Search page allows you to search all of the great content on the site. Some additional views of the search page follow.

Family History Library Catalog Search. Find resources sources available through the Family History Library and Family History Centers.

Search Learning Articles and Courses. Find articles and courses that can help you learn how to research in different parts of the world or improve your research skills.

Search for Ancestors. Find your ancestors in online historical records and trees.

Sign-in or Register.

We would love to get your reactions to this images. Please leave us a comment (or two or three…).

Many of you have probably noticed the FamilySearch Alpha project which we’ve quietly been working on here at FamilySearch Labs. Other than listing it as a project on FamilySearch Labs and a few mentions in the FamilySearch Group on Facebook, we haven’t really shared broadly what we’re up to – until now.

FamilySearch Alpha is the beginning of a great new world. The purpose of the project is to replace the current www.FamilySearch.org website with a new site at the same address that integrates all of the new technologies and record sets we’ve been working on (like Record Search, Family Tree, Research Wiki, etc.) into one easy to use experience. Instead of using these tools individually, you will simply go to www.FamilySearch.org to work on your family history.

The first release will introduce a fresh new look and feel and integrate the following features:

• Search for historical records (leveraging Record Search and Library Catalog technology)
• Learning and how-to (showcasing the Research Wiki and Library Research Series)
• Find a Family History Center (updated to leverage the cool new maps.lds.org)
• And much more

Check out the FamilySearch Alpha project and let us know what you think. Just click the feedback link to share your thoughts or leave a comment on the blog.