FamilySearch's Record Search Pilot announced the expansion of the Brazil, Rio de Janeiro Civil Registrations 1889 to 2006 collection. The collection has been expanded by over 50% to nearly 4.5 million images. The images can be browsed by municipality. These records were available previously only online by paying a fee.
I have mentioned this previously, but these collections from the Record Search Pilot constitute the first time South and Central American records have be generally available in digitized format on the Internet.
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Showing posts with label FamilySearch Pilot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FamilySearch Pilot. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Substantial update and corrections to FamilySearch Record Search Pilot
FamilySearch's Record Search Pilot's collection of databases has had a substantial correction and update. Announced in a statement dated April 15, 2009, eighteen different collections were updated and corrected.
The collections updated include the following:
1920 US Census -- now 21% complete (no images)
Arizona Deaths 1870-1951
Arkansas County Marriages 1837-1957
California, San Francisco Area Funeral Home Records 1835-1931
Florida State Censuses for 1855, 1935 and 1945 (images only)
Illinois, Cook County Birth Registers 1871-1915
Louisiana War of 1812 Pension Lists (images only)
Michigan Marriages 1868-1925
Ohio Tax Records 1816-1838
South Dakota State Censuses 1905, 1915 and 1925
Utah, Salt Lake County Death Records, 1908-1949 (no images)
Wisconsin State Censuses, 1855, 1875, 1885, 1895, and 1905 (images only)
Also
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro Civil Registrations, 1829-2006 (images only)
Costa Rica Church Records, 1595-1992
As a researcher who does work with in Hispanic records, I would note that these Latin American records are some of the first to be readily available in a major digitized collection.
The collections updated include the following:
1920 US Census -- now 21% complete (no images)
Arizona Deaths 1870-1951
Arkansas County Marriages 1837-1957
California, San Francisco Area Funeral Home Records 1835-1931
Florida State Censuses for 1855, 1935 and 1945 (images only)
Illinois, Cook County Birth Registers 1871-1915
Louisiana War of 1812 Pension Lists (images only)
Michigan Marriages 1868-1925
Ohio Tax Records 1816-1838
South Dakota State Censuses 1905, 1915 and 1925
Utah, Salt Lake County Death Records, 1908-1949 (no images)
Wisconsin State Censuses, 1855, 1875, 1885, 1895, and 1905 (images only)
Also
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro Civil Registrations, 1829-2006 (images only)
Costa Rica Church Records, 1595-1992
As a researcher who does work with in Hispanic records, I would note that these Latin American records are some of the first to be readily available in a major digitized collection.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
FamilySearch Record Search Pilot collections back on line
FamilySearch Record Search Pilot announced 24, March 2009, that the 1920 U.S. Census with Massachusetts added, and Costa Rica Church Records 1595 to 1992 with corrected records are back on line.
Record Search Pilot contains millions of record, some with and some without images. FamilySearch gives the following explanation of the term "pilot" in the context of the records on line:
Record Search Pilot contains millions of record, some with and some without images. FamilySearch gives the following explanation of the term "pilot" in the context of the records on line:
Record Search is still under development. This release is considered a
PILOT. This means that at times Record Search will not be available while we add
additional records and improve some features. We apologize for any inconvenience
this may cause. We look forward to receiving your feedback.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Bug fix for Record Search Pilot
Apparently, FamilySearch Record Search Pilot had a compatibility issue with Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 6. The program was down for maintenance and the announcement is that the compatibility issue has been fixed.
By the way, the 1920 U.S. Census index is now 5% complete but has no images as yet.
By the way, the 1920 U.S. Census index is now 5% complete but has no images as yet.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Record Search Pilot Release 1.5
In an announcement dated February 21, 2009, FamilySearch Labs described the changes made to Record Search Pilot in their release of Version 1.5. The changes include an updated home page, listing all of the collections in a single column, a new upgrade to the image viewer and improved help and feedback screens.
On the updated home page a map shows the number of collections available when your mouse hovers over a region and the drop down list of regions and collections has been changed.
The collections' list shows collections that are waypoints only, that is referrals to other Websites, and also collections that have no images.
The image viewer has been rearranged and adds image rotation, full screen view and the ability to print selected areas of an image.
The help and feedback screen have improved options to find answers to questions.
Although not dramatic changes, the functionality of the Website has been increased. The real issue with Record Search Pilot however, is the number of useful collections being added on a regular basis. As I have noted before, the number is not overwhelmingly large, as yet, but the steady increase in the availability of records makes this a more valuable site every month, especially because the records are free.
There were a number of comments to the Blog announcement of the upgrade indicating that people using older computer systems are experiencing a problem viewing the Website. As systems change and programs, such as Flash Player, get upgraded it is inevitable that older systems will lose the ability to view newer content. When upgrading software it is more important to incorporate new technology than it is to continue to support much older technology. The cost of upgrading you computer is now in the $300 range and costs much less than a new HDTV or many other appliances. Perhaps those people still using Windows 98 need to seriously evaluate their needs. I certainly sympathize with those on fixed incomes in this time of economic hardship, but computers have always changed and will continue to change and evolve in the future. As a consolation, many libraries, including Family History Centers, have free access to computers.
On the updated home page a map shows the number of collections available when your mouse hovers over a region and the drop down list of regions and collections has been changed.
The collections' list shows collections that are waypoints only, that is referrals to other Websites, and also collections that have no images.
The image viewer has been rearranged and adds image rotation, full screen view and the ability to print selected areas of an image.
The help and feedback screen have improved options to find answers to questions.
Although not dramatic changes, the functionality of the Website has been increased. The real issue with Record Search Pilot however, is the number of useful collections being added on a regular basis. As I have noted before, the number is not overwhelmingly large, as yet, but the steady increase in the availability of records makes this a more valuable site every month, especially because the records are free.
There were a number of comments to the Blog announcement of the upgrade indicating that people using older computer systems are experiencing a problem viewing the Website. As systems change and programs, such as Flash Player, get upgraded it is inevitable that older systems will lose the ability to view newer content. When upgrading software it is more important to incorporate new technology than it is to continue to support much older technology. The cost of upgrading you computer is now in the $300 range and costs much less than a new HDTV or many other appliances. Perhaps those people still using Windows 98 need to seriously evaluate their needs. I certainly sympathize with those on fixed incomes in this time of economic hardship, but computers have always changed and will continue to change and evolve in the future. As a consolation, many libraries, including Family History Centers, have free access to computers.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
New look and new software at Records Search Pilot
The FamilySearch Records Search Pilot underwent a major renovation and upgrade. The look and feel of the program has changed a little, but there has been a substantial reorganization of the records to reflect the steady increase in variety and depth of the upcoming additions. The announcement stated:
Record Search Pilot has the potential of providing substantial records for areas outside the U.S. and Europe, which is a major change in the record availability of the past. Check it out!
18 February 2009: Record Search has a new look and feel! The upgrade to Record Search has been completed, and we hope you enjoy using the new interface, as well as some of the new features, such as full-screen image viewing, the ability to print a selected area of an image and numerous other enhancements.A first impression is that the program is now much more well organized and has increase utility. I found it interesting that the sub-menus now include references to Africa, Australia and New Zealand and the Pacific Islands even though there are no records listed, as yet.
Record Search Pilot has the potential of providing substantial records for areas outside the U.S. and Europe, which is a major change in the record availability of the past. Check it out!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
New records on FamilySearch Pilot update
As of January 20, 2009, the following new collections of records have been added to the FamilySearch Pilot (also found on FamilySearch Labs):
1920 U.S. Census (Alabama)
1916 Canada Census
Costa Rica Church Records
Mexico Aguascalientes Church Records
The following collections have been updated with new records:
1870 U. S. Census
1850 U. S. Census (all schedules)
The 1920 U.S. Census is only 2% complete as of this date, but updates are coming regularly.
1920 U.S. Census (Alabama)
1916 Canada Census
Costa Rica Church Records
Mexico Aguascalientes Church Records
The following collections have been updated with new records:
1870 U. S. Census
1850 U. S. Census (all schedules)
The 1920 U.S. Census is only 2% complete as of this date, but updates are coming regularly.
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