BYU Library Family History

Presented by Julia A. Anderson, this webinar offers a foundational framework for tackling the distinct challenges of genealogical research in the American South, such as record loss, boundary changes, and complex migration patterns. Through practical methodology and a real-world case study, the session outlines ten essential strategies—including leveraging local history, utilizing FAN (Friends, Associates, and Neighbors) networks, and thoroughly analyzing substitute records—to help researchers overcome brick walls and uncover their Southern ancestral lines.
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Deep South Research: A Beginner’s Guide and Case Study by Julia Anderson (2 September 2026)

Yoonseo Hong provides and introduction to Korean genealogy. He offers practical tips for reading Korean genealogical records and emphasizes that it can be done, even if you're a beginner!

Finding Your Korean Roots - Yoonseo Hong (26 August 2026) Yoonseo Hong provides and introduction to Korean genealogy. He offe...

Learn from Kathryn Grant about the updated Change Log in FamilySearch. Enable it in FamilySearch Labs and use it to uncover previous changes to information FamilySearch profiles.

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Sister Joan Barnett was a dedicated service missionary for years at the BYU Library Family History Center. She helped many students and other library patrons and could always be relied upon to help where needed. All of us who served with her at the Library miss her and express our heartfelt condolences to her family.

Joan Barnett Obituary (1934 - 2026) - Provo, UT - Deseret News View Joan Barnett's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

Presented by Maureen Brady, this webinar offers a practical roadmap for navigating the rich genealogical records of Chicago and Cook County. It highlights strategies for locating important records across major platforms like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and Fold3, as well as smaller websites and repositories.

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Kathryn Moore explains Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) and how genetic genealogy research can be used to solve criminal investigations. Learn about this unique application of genetic genealogy and how DNA research can help you in your own family history research.

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This presentation by Kathryn Grant explains the features of Goldie May and how it can help organize and streamline your family history research.

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This presentation by James L. Tanner introduces the "Owner Trees" (or Controlled Edit Trees) feature on FamilySearch, which directly addresses user frustrations regarding unauthorized edits on the platform's shared public tree. Powered by the LAMIS back-end platform, this feature allows researchers to upload GEDCOM files or manually build personal trees over which they retain exclusive editing control. Ultimately, the system enables genealogists to utilize FamilySearch's integrated research tools and invite specific collaborators while safely comparing and exchanging data with the main public tree.

You Can Have Your Own Family Tree on FamilySearch - James Tanner (15 July 2026) This presentation by James L. Tanner introduces the "Owner Trees" (...

This webinar, presented by Julia Anderson, demonstrates how historical newspapers can bring your family history to life by uncovering rich biographical details, family relationships, and critical clues to break through research brick walls. Learn practical strategies for navigating free and subscription-based digital archives to locate hidden stories. Look beyond vital statistics to discover the vibrant gossip, historical context, and local events that shaped your ancestors' daily lives.

Gossip, Gore, and Glory: How Newspapers Can Bring Your Family History to Life - Julia Anderson 2026 This webinar, presented by Julia Anderson, demonstrates how histori...

Many researchers stop looking once they find a name in an index, missing out on the rich, hidden context left behind by their ancestors. This webinar, presented by Jonathan Potter teaches you how to look "beyond the index" to locate, analyze, and extract invaluable clues from original historical documents that standard search engines often overlook.

Beyond the Index: Getting the Most Out of Records - Jonathan Potter (1 July 2026) Many researchers stop looking once they find a name in an index, mi...