Changing our attitude towards FamilySearch Family Tree

Almost every conversation I have had recently about family history has devolved into a tirade about some aspect of FamilySearch.org's Family Tree program. I suppose that I am a convenient sounding board for these complaints, but the nature and frequency of the complaints seems to be increasing dramatically as more people attempt to work with the program. Yesterday when my wife and I went to the home of a member to help her with installing programs, we heard a long complaint about the Family Tree program. Then again, at the BYU Family History Library last evening, there were other complaints aired about the Family Tree program. These complaints fall into the following categories:

1. Changes and mistakes in the program in general.
2. People using the program to "harvest" names to take to the Temple for ordinance work.
3. Stake and Ward leaders challenging members to "take a name to the Temple" within a relatively short time period, expecting that they can somehow manufacture the name from the Family Tree program.
4. Frustration with the inability to merge obvious duplicated individuals in the program.
5. Improperly combined individuals that cannot be separated and where data has been lost and an inaccurate pedigree line established that cannot be changed. 
6. Individual personal data that cannot be changed, such as a legal change of name by an individual member.

In my opinion, none of these issues involve the program, per se. They are all issues with the data contained in the program. 

Much of the frustration over changes made to the data of the program comes from the fact that the people making the changes either are not identified and have no contact information or that they are making the changes arbitrarily without any sources or explanations. It seems to me that both of these issues can be resolved by adjustments to the program itself. It is very unlikely, in the near future, that inexperienced contributors to the Family Tree will suddenly realize the need to add sources to any changes they make to the data. It is almost always the case that the person making such changes without sources is entirely unknown to the person making the complaint. It is not very pleasant to see someone change the information about your own mother or father or grandparents who you do not know and who refuses to respond to inquiries. This is especially true if the information added or substituted is arbitrary and completely inaccurate. Many of the people I talk to are abandoning the Family Tree program because of these reasons. 

The issue of harvesting names and challenges to "take names to the Temple" are two sides of the same issue. FamilySearch.org's Family Tree program is not a source for researching about your family. It is a report of what has already been researched. You cannot realistically plumb a dry well. There is an invalid assumption that people are somehow adding names to the program without doing or reserving the Temple ordinances. It is entirely possible that this is true, but this not something that you can count on happening. Those who are hunting "green arrows" in the program are usually searching well beyond any family members they personally know or are even acquainted with. How can this be justified as doing family history?

Leaders who challenge their members to "take a name to the Temple" are working from the premise that the process of obtaining names for Temple work is easy and simple. This is not the case for most members. There are no names in Family Tree just sitting there to take to the Temple. Finding any additional ancestors may involve significant work with years of effort. In almost all the cases I have heard about these challenges, I find that there is no program in place to teach or support the members in the challenged activity. They are left to their own devices to try an find a way to "get a name." In many cases, local Ward family history consultants are ignored or not included in the "challenge." They find out about the challenge when the challenge is made. I have fielded comments about two of these challenges in the last week. I wonder how many of the Stake and Ward leaders making such challenges have actually done any genealogical research themselves? In many cases, the members turn to mining names from Family Tree to respond to the challenges. 

The issues with merging, improperly combined individuals and data that cannot be changed, all relate to the status of the Family Tree program's relationship to the old New.FamilySearch.org database. As long as the two programs as still connected, these issues will remain. This is simply a case of waiting for the changes to take place. Patience is advised. 

Some of these questions, such as the ones involving challenges to take a name to the Temple, involve complex and frustrating issues. Most of these types of problems can be solved by following the handbooks and mentoring people rather than challenging them. 

Reflections on the History of FamilySearch -- Introduction

From time to time, I have commented on the history of genealogy and the history of the Genealogical Society of Utah and its successor organization, FamilySearch, International. In partial response to an article in The LDSChurch News and a slide presentation by David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS and Chief Genealogical Officer of FamilySearch at the annual Brigham Young University Conference on Family History and Genealogy, I have decided to start a series outlining and commenting on the history of FamilySearch and how it has evolved as the genealogical entity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Part of the motivation for this series is the fact that I find that general awareness of the history and even the present status of FamilySearch is all but non-existent even among members of the Church. Understanding this process is important to members of the Church because of FamilySearch's involvement in the process of submitting names for Temple work.

The basic sources for information on the history of the Genealogical Society of Utah and subsequently, FamilySearch include a book on the subject and brief selection of website references. Here is the list of references.

• Allen, James B., Jessie L. Embry, and Kahlile B. Mehr. Hearts Turned to the Fathers: A History of the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1894-1994. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies, Brigham Young University, 1995.
• Genealogical Society of Utah on the FamilySearch.org Research Wiki
• Wikipedia: Genealogical Society of Utah
• Wikipedia: FamilySearch
• Genealogical Society of Utah in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism
• Genealogical Society of Utah from the Kodak Records Management website
• The Genealogical Society of Utah as a Data Resource for Historical Demography, Lee L. Bean, Geraldine P. Mineau, Katherine A. Lynch and J. Dennis Willigan, Population Index, Vol. 46, No. 1 (Spring, 1980), pp. 6-19, Published by: Office of Population Research on JSTOR.org Click here for link to article. 

Absent the book, there would be little or no actual historical information online and readily available although much of the history can be pieced together from digitized copies of The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine online on Google Books. 

Any history of the Genealogical Society of Utah should also be viewed in conjunction with an overall view of the history of genealogy in the United States. As I have recommended in the past, for this history, one of the few modern sources is the book:

Weil, François. Family Trees A History of Genealogy in America. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 2013.

Now, you are probably asking yourself why you should know anything about the Genealogical Society of Utah or FamilySearch? Seeking out their ancestors, documenting them and ultimately, providing essential saving ordinances for them in the Temples is a basic component of believes and to some extent, the practices of the members of the Church. I qualify the statement about practices because only such a small percentage of the membership of the Church is directly involved in the process of submitting names for Temple work. But in any event, the members of the Church should have a basic understanding of how and why we have our present-day genealogical entities, if for no other reason than to dispel rumors and diminish frustration with the system. If you know how a certain procedure came to be and why it was initiated, you are much less likely to be critical or negative towards the institution.

Your Weekly FamilySearch Family Tree Report

If you have been watching any of the people in your ancestral lines on FamilySearch.org's Family Tree program, you will likely have been receiving a weekly update from FamilySearch listing any and all changes made to those people on your watch list. If you are not receiving this list, it is because you have either failed to provide a current email address or you have not marked anyone in program to be watched.

This is an extremely valuable function and helps maintain the integrity of the data in the program and enables you to communicate and collaborate with other family members. Here is a screenshot showing the link to adding a person to your watch list:

When you click on this link, the word will change to "Unwatch," telling you that this person is now on your Watch List. Here is another screenshot showing the change in the word:

Here is a screenshot of the Watch List showing all of the people, including the one just added, to my watch list:

In my case, I have lots of people on my list, so I have to scroll down in the list to see the newly added person:

What do you do if someone changes a person in the Family Tree? Well, the answer depends on whether you agree that the change is necessary or not. If you agree with the change, then you do nothing. If you do not agree, you should change the entry back to what you believe to be the correct information and communicate with the person who made the change in an attempt to collaborate in the future. The key here is whether or not the changes are supported by documentary sources and the evidence in those sources. For example, if the change involved a birth date, if you don't have an documentary evidence to correct the change, then why make the correction? What you need to do is see this as an invitation to do some research. If the other person provides a source and you have no sources then you can expect changes and should welcome both the change and the source. But if the other person makes a change when you have sources already listed, you should change the information back to reflect the sources and contact the person as I have already indicated.

Watching entries in the Family Tree is a basic mechanism for helping to advance the objective of the Family Tree to provide accurate and complete entries, supported by sources, for each individual in the tree.

Balancing Family History with other Church Responsibilities

It is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the different obligations and duties pulling at our lives. Family History can become just one more thing we will get to when things "settle down." The problem is that things never settle down. If you expect to have more time in your old age or at any other stage of your life, you may find that leisure time is an illusion for those who are anxiously engaged. President Thomas S. Monson said in the October, 2004 General Conference:

“For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. 

“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; 

“For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.” 2 

The sacred scriptures provide for you and me a model to follow when they declare, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” 3 And He “went about doing good, … for God was with him.” 4 

I have observed in studying the life of the Master that His lasting lessons and His marvelous miracles usually occurred when He was doing His Father’s work. On the way to Emmaus He appeared with a body of flesh and bones. He partook of food and testified of His divinity. All of this took place after He had exited the tomb. 

At an earlier time, it was while He was on the road to Jericho that He restored sight to one who was blind. 

The Savior was ever up and about—teaching, testifying, and saving others. Such is our individual duty as members of priesthood quorums today.

Perhaps from time to time we need to examine our priorities and realize that the work of "saving others" includes our own family and those of our family who have passed on to the Spirit World. Perhaps we need to rethink our priorities and begin the process of doing that which is truly lasting and important. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated it well in the October, 2012 General Conference:

I testify that the Spirit of Elijah is touching the hearts of many of Father’s children throughout the world, causing the work for the dead to accelerate at an unprecedented pace.

But what about you? Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those beyond the veil who can’t help themselves. Check around. There will be someone in your area who can help you have success.

This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful...

From the familiar hymn, "Have I Done Any Good?"

2. There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try,"
But go and do something today.
'Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love's labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.

When we are thinking there is too much to do and too little time, it is likely the best time to re-evaluate what we are doing that has little lasting value and begin doing those things that will benefit not only our living family but also those who have passed on.

FamilySearch TechTips Alive and Well

A couple of years ago, FamilySearch.org started a Blog called TechTips. It was intended to fill the need for current information for family historians about trends in the tech world, computers and other devices as well as other subjects such as software for genealogy. The Blog attracted a lot of attention and had a significant following. For whatever reason, the Blog languished and virtually disappeared for a considerable time. However, it finally resurfaced as a section in the main FamilySearch.org Blog page. Here is a screenshot of the FamilySearch Blog page with an arrow showing the link to the TechTips Section:

From time to time, I have been asked to post to this portion of the FamilySearch Blog again. Meanwhile, they have been reposting past posts that still have current application. Hope to see you on the FamilySearch TechTips Blog again. Here are some of the subjects that have been covered in the past while:

• Avoiding the Inevitable Crash
• Hashtags, Tweets, and Blogs: the New Language of Family History
• Phishing, Scams, Viruses and Trojan Horses – How to Protect Your Computer
• Más Ayuda: New Hispanic Research Classes Online
• What Your Grandchildren Wished You Would Have Tweeted

New Blog Aimed at Family History Center Directors

FamilySearch.org has instituted a new Blog section aimed at the Directors of the 4600+ Family History Centers worldwide. The new FamilySearch Director's Newsletter began with a Welcome message written by Lisa McBride and a Director's Corner message from Diane Loosle, Director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Here are links to the other post so far:

• FamilySearch Mobile Apps in Your Family History Center
• #TempleChallenge—Youth Accepting an Apostle’s Challenge
• Family History Centers and Self-Reliance Services Sharing the Same Space and Technology

It is important to note that the FamilySearch Blog page contains a list of the Blog Sections on the right-hand side that are of general as well as specific interest to all those involved in family history in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here is a screenshot showing the list of topics:

The Lord's Timetable or Our Timetable?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:..." Every so often, as I talk to someone about genealogy, they will tell me that their Patriarchal Blessing has a statement that they will be involved in searching out their ancestors in one way or another. The tragedy of most of these comments is the person, who probably received that blessing in their youth or early adulthood, has waited to start searching out their ancestors until they are well into retirement and subject to a variety of physical and mental disabilities. Why is this the case?

It is true that we live on the Lord's timetable and that there are seasons in our lives, but we are also possessed of our own moral agency and if we choose unwisely, all the Patriarchal Blessings in the world are not going to reward us with the promised blessings if we do not do our part to do the necessary prerequisite work. Even those who blessings are silent about the promise of being involved in family history, postpone doing any family history until "retirement." Again, just as with those with the articulated blessings, they wait until their hands and minds can no longer learn what is necessary to do their family history and seek out their kindred dead. To oppose the work of the Lord, all that is really necessary is to convince good people to do nothing.

Statements like the one made by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are not just directed at the youth. He said, "These are your days. You were born in a time of temples and technology." Quoting from Helaman 13:38:

But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain..."

Waiting around too long can have serious consequences.  How many will forfeit the blessings promised to them because they waited until they were too old and too feeble to do the work?