Family Search Full-Text Search for Unindexed Records

FamilySearch "Full-Text Search" from FamilySearch Labs was introduced at RootsTech 2024. This feature uses artificial intelligence to search the millions of FamilySearch records that are not indexed. A video and more information can be found here.

Full-text search is easy to access—I even bookmarked it on my desktop for quick use.

How to Use Full-Text Search

1. Go to FamilySearch Labs.
2. Scroll down to "Expand your search with Full Text" and click on "Go To Experiment" (or it may say "Try Me"), as shown above.
3. Enter your search parameters and begin searching.

I experimented with different search methods. Using keywords alone was not very effective, but searching by name yielded better results. The most successful approach was searching by name and place together.

I’ve spent hours exploring this tool. My download folder quickly filled with images, which I finally organized. Now, I need to add them to my genealogy software, Roots Magic.

Some Records I Found

• Timothy Corcoran's Pullman Company records
• Frank H. Glover's funeral record
• Early 1700s Connecticut records
• Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railroad records (1927–1930)
• And more!

Future Research Plans

I still need to explore additional records I found, including:

• Lighthouse records
• Deeds
• Kalamazoo Court dockets
• Manistee (MI) mortgages and land records
• Other Michigan county records
• Then, I’ll head to Vermont!

About RootsTech

RootsTech is an annual genealogy conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah. This year, it takes place March 6–8, 2025, with a free virtual option. It’s a great opportunity to discover new tools and innovations from FamilySearch.

For more information and to register, visit RootsTech 2025. Past RootsTech sessions are also available online if you missed any. I will be viewing virtually. Will I "see" you there?