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.

Today Record Search released a new update. This release has been months in the making and you will notice a major difference in how the site looks, along with some cool new features. As always we would love to hear from you on what we got right and what needs alittle more work. Here is a quick glance at some of the changes.

Unsupported Browsers

You complained and we listened. We removed the header that would appeared if you were not using a Record Search supported browser. For the most part unsupported browsers still work, but this header was making the screen shift down so you could not see everything.

Home Page Layout

The home page has undergone major changes; most noticeable are the new colors, layout, and title & label name changes.

Where’s the map?

The map and ability to search a specific collection are now accessed by selecting the “Browse our record collections” link. This separates the search functions and templates for searching in all collection vs. a specific collection or browse only collections. We would love your feedback on this change.

Share a record

Try sharing a record you found in Record Search on Facebook, or in an e-mail or text message.

Print, Copy & Share Record Details

We think you will love the option to let you print, copy and share the record details.

About this collection

About this collection link now takes you to the Research Wiki. Having this information in the Wiki makes it easier for us to update and keep it current. It also lets you have Record Search and the user guidance open at the same time to use as a reference.

Un-Indexed collections

The un-indexed collections or Browse only collections have an entirely new look. You’re now able to keep the context of what images you are browsing, and moving to a different level in the film is a snap.

Tip of the day

Did you know clicking on the FamilySearch logo in the header will always take you to the home page.

Thanks to all of your efforts and feedback many features developed as part of the Family Tree project will now be part of new.familysearch.org.

As I am writing we are currently testing the Family Tree project temple list being placed right in new.familysearch.org. Go check it out!! Go to beta.familysearch.org and login using your new FamilySearch login name and password. Then click on the Temple Ordinances tab – BAM!! you’ll see the temple reservation list that you helped us create as part of the Family Tree project. And when the beta is released, everyone on new.familysearch.org will be using this new Temple Ordinances feature. Thanks to you!!

As future releases are developed for new FamilySearch more and more features that are part of the Family Tree project will be placed into new FamilySearch. By releasing this work in steps we can get these great features out to all users quicker. As a consequence of this new direction we will be concentrating our efforts on putting these features into new FamilySearch rather than enhancing the Family Tree project. Eventually, when we get the key features into new FamilySearch, the Family Tree project will be removed from labs — don’t worry, it isn’t going to happen any time soon.

Thanks again for making the Family Tree project such a success. And keep checking back on labs as we begin to prototype some of the latest ideas we’ve been percolating.

Thanks,

Ron

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…).

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.

Just click on the link Forgot? under the Sign-in name box to get help remembering your username.

Forgotten Password?

Just click on the link Forgot? under the Sign in name box to get help remembering your username.

Registration:

You can now Register for the new FamilySearch from the Family Tree login page. Simply click on the link near the bottom right, Register for the new FamilySearch…

News and Updates

On the sign in page you can click on News and Updates… link to read about the changes in this release.

• Check for and resolve duplicates with ordinances.  Always check this before clicking SUBMIT.
• Enter Ordinances Manually.  If duplicates aren’t showing up and you know the work has been performed, click this link to report the ordinances.
• Submit the ordinances to your Temple Tracking Page.  Note, this simply reserves the name and ordinances on the Temple tab.  Click on the Temple tab at the top of the page to continue the temple process — print FOR, etc.

In the Temple tab we can:

• Print temple cards (Family Ordinance Request – FOR) if you want to perform the ordinances yourself.
• Assign names to the temple if you want the temple to allow someone else to perform the ordinances.

You may also contact support by calling 1-866-406-1830

Thank you for the feedback it helps us release quality software with the features you want.