by Chris McKenzie
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in existence since the 1950s but has now become an integral part of our daily lives. Even if it is not immediately apparent, AI is being used in many of your routine activities— personalized search recommendations, shopping suggestions, GPS navigation, and even spell check functions. In the genealogy world, websites such as Ancestry or MyHeritage use AI to search vast databases and identify records such as censuses and death information.
FamilySearch houses millions of records that remain unindexed, usually requiring time-consuming manual searches to locate specific ancestors. However, FamilySearch introduced a Full-Text Search feature in early 2024. This tool employs handwriting and special character technology to scan and identify every word in typed and handwritten documents rapidly using AI.
The Full-Text Search is currently classified as a FamilySearch Experiment, meaning that it is still under development. Users should note that the tool's availability and accuracy are not guaranteed, as it remains a work in progress. Available through FamilySearch Labs, this experimental platform allows users to engage with ongoing projects, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement before these tools are widely released.
Currently, the searchable record collections include U.S. Land and Probate Records, Mexico Notary Records, Australia Land and Probate Records, New Zealand Land and Probate Records, and U.S. Plantation Records, with continuous addition of other collections. It is important to understand that not all territories, states, counties, or municipalities within these categories are completely represented.
To access the Full-Text Search Experiment, go to:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/labs/
Login to FamilySearch, scroll to the “Expand your search with Full Text” option and select the “Try It” button to turn on the experiment. (Bookmark this page for future visits.) There are several YouTube videos you can watch that have helpful search suggestions and tips.
You may discover previously unknown historical records that will enrich your family history.
