Most of us just learned about the FamilySearch.org full text search option about a month ago, but it’s already in their laboratories area and is already proving to be a research game changer. 

The full text function used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to index people’s names and other attributes. They’ve indexed both handwritten original papers and typed or published materials. Once discovered, you can examine both the original and the text transcript.

Currently, the only records they claim to feature are US Land and Probate Records and some from Mexico. You might be shocked to see what other types of records are provided. Pace yourself, keep track of your searches, and plan where you’ll return.

So, what’s out there? Everything. New discoveries are most likely to occur in areas with less published books or record indexes. Alternatively, you might start a whole new project.

Begin by logging into your free account at FamilySearch.org. Scroll down the far right side of the screen to “Family Search Labs,” then click “View Experiments.” Then select the option on the far left: “Expand Your Search with Full Text.”

Once you’ve entered your keywords — which may be an ancestor’s whole name in quotes, a surname, or a slave’s name — you must select one of the four filters. To begin, select your state and county from the “Record Place” menu, then click “Apply.” Then you can select a time frame, Record Type, or Collection. The location and time frame are the most useful.

However, do not delay.