30 Day Indexing Challenge

30 Day Indexing Challenge.  Indexed records are likely the only type of records that a majority of researchers are familiar with.  Many don't realize that there are millions upon millions of records that remain UN-indexed.  For that reason, those records are either impossible to find or at best a difficult challenge to browse for your ancestor.



Here's the answer: Indexing!  See "30 Day Indexing Challenge." Simply put, you look at a hand written document, transcribe it by typing what you see into the appropriate fields and submit!  Each document is indexed twice.  Discrepancies are sent to "Arbitrators" to resolve those discrepancies.  Once all 3 steps are complete, VOILA!  You can search for the individuals within that record and get the data you need for your research.

I'm reblogging from "thegenealogygirl" who has thrown down the research gauntlet and is asking volunteers to step up and assist with this vital part of everyone's research.

Try the program at www.familysearch.org where you'll see links on the home page to get you started.  Click "Indexing" just below the large picture. It will take you to this page where you can "Test Drive",  "Get Started", "Find a Project" (from easy to very difficult!!) and "Get Help".

It's easy...really!!

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Order Copies from FamilySearch - LDS - Salt Lake City

Anyone who researches their family using Family Search will find this useful. For several months, has been possible to order copies of documents that are found at Family Search, the LDS family research website. I've just ordered 2 documents and I'll keep you posted as to when I receive them. It's supposed to take a week or two, so we'll see! This is not to be confused with ordering a microfilm from a Family History Center such as the one in Ludlow, MA. This process will send you an e-mail with the document(s) attached.

The page at Family Search is in the FamilySearch Blog and it's called "Policy Change for Patrons Requesting Photocopies...". Click the title in parentheses to be directed the proper page. I've never tried to find it from the home page so I can't give you those directions. But for myself, I've bookmarked the site in Firefox and added it to the Favorites/Genealogy category in Internet Explorer. I have to make things extra easy for myself sometimes...you know, dumb it down!!

The instructions are a little daunting. And although I didn't fill in all the blanks, I still received and acknowledgment of my request which make me believe I've sent enough information.