The Formidable Genealogist

02/21/2026

20 Feb 2026 I finished it! Link in comments. Whew, not an easy one to write.

02/20/2026

I am so excited! I just finished this! I've been trying to get it done for the past 11 hours and I've barely moved. I just really wanted to launch it today.

No more being confused by the FamilySearch Family Tree. 84 pages to show you that it's actually very simple to use - whether you're only using it as a research tool or are actively editing the collaborative Family Tree.

Grab it for just $10 during the launch sale or get the first 4 guides in this series for just $49. I can't wait to hear about the discoveries you find!

https://www.theformidablegenealogist.com/category/familysearch-unlocked-series

02/19/2026

18 million NEW opportunities to find your missing ancestors!

Looking for World War II draft cards or European church records? Maybe a New Zealand cemetery transcript?

FREE records are available from 32 different countries!

🇺🇸 The United States
🇭🇳 Honduras
🇨🇦 Canada

and more!

Click the link in the first comment to start exploring!

02/19/2026

Huge news! FamilySearch mentioned improvements coming to the search features of Full Text Search. Their software engineers have visibility to how people use the search function and saw an overwhelming number of instances of people using it incorrectly. Therefore, they've been trying to simplify it.

I just went out to FamilySearch Labs and found that there's a new experiment for Full Text Search called Simple Search. Either go to the link below or scroll down the home page of FamilySearch until you find Labs on the right-hand side.

From Labs, you can turn this on and give it a try. I haven't had a chance to play with it yet because I'm trying to finish my new FamilySearch Family Tree research guide to release tomorrow, so watch for that coming soon!

https://www.familysearch.org/en/labs/

02/19/2026

19 Feb 2026 NEW in Full Text Search

02/19/2026

Send good vibes this way as I try to finish this today to release tomorrow!

I have about 25 pages to go, so fingers crossed.

02/19/2026

I’ve taken IGHR courses the past 2 years. Check them out if you’re interested in institute courses.

IGHR has an exciting list of courses lined up for IGHR Week, July 27-31, 2026! Visit our website to browse descriptions and schedules, then make your choice: https://ighr.gagensociety.org/ighr-courses/. All courses virtual and recorded; view recordings for one month after class. Tuition $545 ($50 discount for GGS members).

02/19/2026

18 Feb 2026 Why do things show up in Full Text Search and nowhere else?

02/18/2026

Check out this webinar on using Fold3.

Missed our live Fold3 workshop? You can still watch it on your own schedule.

Our 90 minute on demand workshop, Finding Your 19th Century Ancestors on Fold3 — Is There a Better Way?, is available for purchase now.

If searching on Fold3 ever feels confusing or overwhelming, this workshop breaks down what records are actually available for 19th century military ancestors and shares smarter strategies to help you narrow your search and work more efficiently.

For $15, you get access to the full workshop recording.

Stop guessing and start searching with confidence. https://civilwarrecords.com/products/fold3-workshop-registration

02/18/2026

17 Feb 2026 I just found a brand new beta feature on Ancestry.

02/18/2026

We have files for you to take home! Our vertical file collection is being discarded because of low use and space constraints. Please come to the SCGS Library any open hour and search for surnames and places. You might be surprised by what you find. Free for adoption. DEADLINE IS MARCH 31st. Then they are gone. Please email inquiries to: scgs@scgsgenealogy.com

02/17/2026

Make sure and let me know in the comments what I should include.