Recently I found myself scrolling Instagram. The algorithm displayed a number of posts from creators I didn’t know, nor did I have any real interest in viewing their work. Determined to escape the glutton of content obviously stolen from the work of others, I took to the search function.

I don’t recall the exact search terms I used; however, it is unsurprising that it was genealogy related. One of the first posts to show up in my feed was from FamilySearch. The short video described a new series of videos called FamilySearch 101.

I almost kept scrolling. I almost clicked away. Except I didn’t. I stayed and watched the entire post (how else would I have known what the content was about?) And by the end, I had a few thoughts.

In my time with the Mississippi Genealogical Society, I’ve learned how overwhelmed people often feel when it comes to engaging with Family History. I’ve repeatedly heard comments like, “I need to learn how to use full text search on FamilySearch.” Or maybe, “I’m not familiar with Ancestry. I’ve started my tree, but what next?” Or even, “How do I search the catalog on Ancestry?”

These comments highlight how using the tools and websites of the trade are just as demanding and difficult as learning the principles of doing good genealogy. Plus, learning these tools only adds to the immense pressure and feelings one can have while navigating a hobby where you will never learn everything there is to know about the subject.

It’s those types of comments and feelings that led me to continue watching the FamilySearch video on my Instagram feed. Soon enough, I commented on the video.

101.

That’s it. That’s the comment.

FamilySearch immediately responded by sending me a link in my DMs. Here it is: https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/familysearch-101-episode-1

Needless to say, I clicked on the link. It led me to the Roots Tech website and some instructional videos. Videos I ended up watching.

Twice.

The first time I watched them, I found other things to do. The video droned on in the background as I played Free Cell. I was too good for such basic content. In my head I knew too much to let it interest me.

Each of the videos runs 3-5 minutes and discusses basic functions of the FamilySearch website or mobile app. Interestingly, the videos start by teaching you how the mobile app functions first. Once I realized these videos were aimed at people using their phones first, I found my mind spinning in an arrogant display of mindlessness.

I didn’t pay attention at all. Doing good research on the phone can be difficult and I had a lot of opinions on the subject. Those opinions got in the way of truly giving the videos a chance.

So I went about my business. Researched some family members. Played more mindless games online. Ignored the FamilySearch 101 series I just asked them to send to me. The next day I went to the May meeting of the Mississippi Genealogical Society.

President Karen McKlemurry was elected president. One aspect of the society that is important to Karen is community. Of taking time each meeting to get to know one another. Of having a place where people can enjoy each other’s company and learn from each other. Because she works so hard to make the Society a true community, I stayed afterward to engage with our friends in the Society. I found myself reminded of how so many people have educational needs within the community. That idea humbled me. Tons of folks need to know how to find short and simple answers that will help them improve their genealogy skills. And for some, that might mean watching the FamilySearch 101 video series.

After the meeting I asked myself some questions. What if some of our society members only use FamilySearch? What do they do if they’re struggling to learn and navigate the site? Is there something in the 101 series our members or friends could use?

Questions like these led me back to the Roots Tech site. I rewatched the videos, and this time I left my arrogant, know-it-all attitude behind. This time I listed.

I also learned.

The 101 series does a good job of teaching people to use both the mobile app and the website in a basic manner. The 3-5 minute videos allow people to digest the information in small chunks, without overloading or overwhelming the viewer. The instructions are easy to follow. I was even impressed at how functional the mobile app has become, especially at allowing users to build their tree.

In the past, the vast array of tools and functions of both the FamilySearch and Ancestry apps were just too clunky to use. These days those sites have streamlined the processes enough to where you can actually use the apps in a manner that can be helpful to your genealogy. I’ve been impressed with their journey towards greater functionality. Yeah, yeah. I’ve needed to be a bit more humble.

Anyway, by the end of the series I was impressed at how much mileage FamilySearch covered in so little time. The videos cover subjects like how to create an account, build a simple tree, how to add details to a person, how to view your tree and navigate to people in the tree, how to use memories and upload photos, how to use record hints, and how to search historical records. There are probably more that I didn’t even mention.

The 5 or so videos I watched also helped me learn some new things. Plus they reinforced old knowledge. Best of all, they gave me another resource I can recommend to those people in the community who need help learning the tools and websites of the trade. These are basic videos that teach people to dive in headfirst without feeling too overwhelmed. In other words, these are great videos to keep people in the hobby, a hobby that can feel so overwhelming that sometimes people don’t come back.

So, if you need to learn FamilySearch or have never done any genealogy in the past, check out the free 101 series here: https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/familysearch-101-episode-1. It is one of FamilySearch’s most up to date learning series that can help you understand the free resources available to genealogy enthusiasts.

I’m glad I took the time to watch and listen.