New Family History Software

The Church’s Family History Department has released a new software program called Family History SourceGuide™ and two resource files on CD. The new products are part of a plan to assist members in pursuing genealogical research from their homes, making it faster and easier to access vital information and resources.

Family History SourceGuide™

The first automated Windows^® or Folio^®-based product of its kind produced by the Church, Family History SourceGuide compiles more than 150 research guides available at the Church’s Family History Library™ in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Users type the location where their ancestor lived and indicate what they would like to learn, such as information about birth date, birthplace, marriage, adoption, occupation, immigration, military service, or living relatives. Though the product will not show information about individuals, it will list the types of records and sources needed to find the requested information. The CD is designed for use by those who know basic information about their ancestors but need to search original sources to complete their personal records.

Family History SourceGuide is designed for both amateur and experienced researchers. Novices will find information about where to start, what to do, and how to access a variety of different records as well as a glossary that defines research and genealogical terms. Experts who specialize in a particular locality will find guides for places outside their area of expertise. The product gives a broad perspective of the Family History Library’s worldwide sources, which include more than 2 million microfilms, 700,000 microfiche, and 274,000 books. Many records described in the product can be accessed through the Church’s Family History Centers™ located around the globe.

The three main features of the software are:

1. How-to Guides

Research outlines. Seventy-six outlines describe records and research strategies for finding ancestors who lived in a particular area. Outlines for all 50 U.S. states and several countries are provided.

Address lists. Lists include addresses of major Family History Centers in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the British Isles, and Europe.

Letter-writing guides. These guides will help persons who must request genealogical records from German and French speakers. Sample sentences are provided along with translations.

Blank forms and census worksheets. More than 20 worksheets are formatted according to various U.S. census records so that needed information can be copied quickly. A blank research log is provided to track research steps.

Research guides. These guides include steps for basic research and for research in the Family History Library and Family History Centers, including specific instructions on how to use various indexes.

Maps. Various maps of the British Isles are included.

2. Word Meanings

A Word Meanings function provides approximately 1,700 definitions and related words to help users better understand the terminology used in SourceGuide and the genealogical community.

3. Catalog Helper

Based on an individual’s research goal, the Catalog Helper identifies the best subjects to search for in the Family History Library Catalog™, which is part of the FamilySearch™ software program that provides lists and descriptions of the extensive records, books, microfilms, and microfiche in the Family History Library.

Family History SourceGuide is available through Church distribution centers worldwide (item number 50176). System requirements include:

• Pentium processor

• Windows 95 or NT 4.0+

• 8 MB RAM (16 MB recommended)

• CD-ROM drive