Your quick guide to LDS genealogy resourcesKey to any LDS genealogy research are the following databases. Again remember to always try and obtain original records for any of the information you find through these sources. The International Genealogical Index (IGI)The International Genealogical Index (IGI) is a database created by the Family History Library. It contains approximately 600 million names of deceased individuals. An addendum to the International Genealogical Index contains an additional 125 million names. These names have been patron submitted or extracted from thousands of original birth, christening and marriage records. Care should be taken in distinguishing IGI entries drawn from original records, and those drawn from published genealogies or family group sheets. Checking the "Source Call No." or "Source Information" for a given entry will generally allow the user to learn where the information came from, and to judge the inherent reliability of the source. Since the IGI is only an index, it should never be considered conclusive proof of any name, date, or relationship it asserts. It is the indexed records themselves which the genealogist should consult and rely upon. A computerized file of individual and family records, created from records and pedigree charts submitted to the Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1979. The purpose of the Ancestral File is to help people coordinate their research. It is currently available online as part of the FamilySearch web site. Ancestral FileThe Ancestral File is a lineage-linked database of contributed ancestors' names. As much as possible, data from various contributors was merged so that Ancestral File would become a single, giant database of the human pedigree. Each person in the file received a unique Ancestral File Number (AFN). However, due to the accumulation of errors and the increasing burden on Church staff to maintain the file, contributions to Ancestral File were closed about 2001. It remains a highly valuable aid for finding ancestors and fellow researchers. Currently, the LDS Church invites contributions to its Pedigree Resource File, a collection of GEDCOM files. To learn about this type of file click here:
There is no attempt made to link individuals who appear in more than one contribution to the PRF. Unlike Ancestral File, the PRF makes available submitted notes and source references to other researchers. The term Ancestral File is a registered trademark of the LDS Church. Access Ancestral File at:
Pedigree Resource FilePedigree Resource File is the name of a genealogy file sharing system operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through its web site, www.familysearch.org, church members and non-members are invited to contribute their family history data in the form of GEDCOM files to be permanently preserved in the Pedigree Resource File and shared with others around the world. A copy of the genealogy files (GEDCOM) submitted are preserved in the Granite Mountain Records Vault, located near Salt Lake City. Submitted genealogies may also be made available to others on compact disc or on the Internet. Current practice is to publish the files on CDROMs, which are available for purchase or for free access at Family History Centers. The full files are not currently published on the Internet, but an index is available on the FamilySearch web site. LDS genealogy resources are an important source of information. Remember, you don't have to be a member of the church or subscribe to their believes to use this data. LDS genealogy LDS genealogy Return to Home Page from LDS Genealogy
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