Friends of Layton FamilySearch Center

04/06/2026

https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/rootstech-2026-recap?cid=EM-00048621&lid=9qnaa1zxueai

Many classes and videos from the RootsTech 2026 conference are still available online. Read more about what's available!

04/03/2026

Check out the informative classes being offered at the Layton FamilySearch Center this coming week. No reservations are required. You can view all the classes being offered at the Layton FamilySearch Center at the following link:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/layton_utah/classes

03/31/2026

Getting to Know Birth Records:

Before birth certificates were established in the U.S., how was birth information recorded?

This question and others are answered in a brief Ancestry Academy video (https://www.ancestryacademy.com/videos/vital-records-births). You'll find examples of birth records through time and learn how to track ancestors using birth records on Ancestry.

To see additional tips and resources for birth records, check out Goal B2 in the United States page (https://www.thefhguide.com/project-9-united-statesb2.html ).

03/29/2026

Back to the Basics - Research Essentials:

Sometimes we get caught up in the "what if's" of doing research, at the expense of remembering the core principles to follow.

In "Some Family History Research Essentials" (https://billbuchanan.blogspot.com/2022/11/some-family-history-research-essentials.html) genealogist Bill Buchanan shares a few guiding principles on names, dates, location, and relationships, which are four of the key elements of family history research.

To go deeper with research basics, explore Goal 2 in Project 4: Discover (https://www.thefhguide.com/project-4-discover02.html).

03/23/2026

Dealing with "Facts" in the U.S. Census:

A temptation for many researchers is to take information in U.S. census records at face value, partly because that information is so plentiful and easy to find.

This article by Family History Daily (https://familyhistorydaily.com/genealogy-help-and-how-to/verify-us-census-facts/) offers a detailed look at potential problems with information in census records, from the viewpoints of the informant and the enumerator. It also offers practical suggestions on how to verify census information about ancestors that may be in question.

For more tips on using U.S. census records, check out Goal C1 in the United States page (https://www.thefhguide.com/project-9-united-statesc1.html ).

03/16/2026

Finding World War I Records:

Sadly, over 80% of World War I records for U.S. veterans were lost in a fire in 1973.

Knowing where to look for alternate records is a key to your success, as described in this FamilyTree Magazine article (https://familytreemagazine.com/records/military/6-records-to-trace-ancestors-who-served-in-world-war-i/). It outlines six important record sources and how to find them, such as draft registration cards, state rosters, and discharge papers.

See also Goal E2 in the United States page for World War I research tips (https://www.thefhguide.com/project-9-united-statese2.html ).

03/16/2026

Evaluating the Records You Find:

Genealogist Kathryn Moore posed these questions in an online class at RootsTech 2026: "Have you ever found a record that seems to match your ancestor but something feels off? Or maybe you’ve added a source, only to later realize it doesn’t belong at all?"

Check out How to Evaluate a Record in 3 Simple Steps (https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/good-genealogists-dont-guess-how-to-evaluate-a-record-in-3-simple-steps) for practical answers to these questions.

Learn more about analyzing records in Goal 7 of Project 4: Discover (https://www.thefhguide.com/project-4-discover07.html ).

03/09/2026

Tips for More Effective Searches:

Whether you're searching large or small genealogy sites for ancestors, sometimes it's tough to find the information you need that's "hiding" out there.

This Family History Daily article (https://familyhistorydaily.com/tips-and-tricks/6-tips-for-more-effective-genealogy-searches/) provides six practical tips for doing genealogical searches, such as focusing on single pieces of information, and using Boolean operators in search fields.

For more ideas on doing effective online searches, check out Goal 4 in Project 4: Discover (https://www.thefhguide.com/project-4-discover06.html).