The Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast

RLP 388: Ultimate Guide to Mastering FamilySearch with Dana Palmer

6 snips
Dec 15, 2025
Dana Palmer, a Certified Genealogist and lecturer, specializes in Midwestern research and lineage applications. In this engaging discussion, she shares her passion for family history sparked by her grandparents. Dana dives into the features of FamilySearch.org, emphasizing the Full-Text Search and tips for finding records using wildcards and the catalog. She also highlights the importance of the Research Wiki, collaborative Family Tree contributions, and the value of preserving memories through photos and documents. This conversation is a treasure trove for genealogy enthusiasts!
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ANECDOTE

Started Genealogy As A Child

  • Dana Palmer began genealogy as a child, cataloging family with Personal Ancestral File and visiting cemeteries with grandparents.
  • She loved puzzles and took over data entry around age nine, which launched her lifelong research and teaching career.
ADVICE

Start With Full‑Text Then Work Outward

  • Start searches with Full-Text Search to find records quickly using AI-driven indexing and handwriting recognition.
  • If Full-Text fails, then search Historical Records, the Catalog, and Images in that order to cover all possibilities.
INSIGHT

FamilySearch Is An Ecosystem Of Tools

  • FamilySearch is a multi-part ecosystem: tree, Full‑Text, records, catalog, images, wiki, books, and memories.
  • Each section contains different “hidden treasures,” so covering multiple sections improves research success.
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