Indexing, A Vital Part of Family History!

Indexing is an easy way for everyone to get started with family history and experience the Spirit of Elijah. (Malachi 4:6) Governments and churches have kept records of people and families for centuries, but these records have been tough to access and time-consuming to sort through. Previously, people who were geographically separated from their ancestral lands had to travel to those places and wade through the records, having no assurance that they would find a single family name.

You may have heard people use the word indexing in connection with family history and wondered what it was. FamilySearch indexing lets you type names from old records into a database that people worldwide can use to find their ancestors. The names you index generally won’t come from your own family line but from scanned documents that include census records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, military registrations, and more.  Please watch this informative video on indexing:

Indexing lets everyone help one another with family history. Today, you may enter in the name of an ancestor of someone living in Australia, and tomorrow a person living in England may type in the name of an ancestor you and your family are looking for. As we work together to enter these names into the FamilySearch database, we’ll each have a greater chance of finding information about our own ancestors and be able to help take family names to the temple.



So, why should you participate in indexing? Here are eight great reasons!

 Because they are not just names.

Because it feels great. 

Because you’re a perfect fit. 

Because it fits your schedule. 

Because it’s not just for older generations.

Because technologies have been invented for this work.

Because it protects you from the influence of Satan.

Because prophets have invited you to do so. 

The First Presidency has stated, "Members are encouraged to participate in FamilySearch indexing which is vital to family history and temple work."

I have a firm testimony of the vital work that indexing performs! I have been indexing for about 4 years now, and have felt great blessings in my life because of it!

“As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives." Elder David A. Bednar October 2011 General Conference.  Click here to view the entire talk by Elder Bednar: David A Bednar Conference Talk

Want to know more and learn how you can get started helping with this important work?  Click on this link Family Search Indexing

Submitted by:  Lee Tanner