How to search or view original documents?
I thought I could view unindexed orginal documents on Familysearch.org, but I don't see how to get to these original documents other than entering family info - name, date, etc. What am I missing? Thanks.
Answers
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@Mark Parson
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Mark
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You can.
You DO NOT need to be using "Family Tree" of "FamilySearch".
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But ...
That said ...
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You need to enter the "Details" of the individual/person you are searching for (regardless if they are family or not), that is to be expected; otherwise, how can you search for someone, anyone.
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Unless, you are talking about just finding a 'locality' and looking through all the records for a given 'locality'; IF, that is the case; THEN, you should use the "Catalogue" in "FamilySearch"
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I hope this helps.
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Brett
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Thank you.
As you noted, I was "just finding a 'locality' and looking through all the records for a given 'locality'", and I have tried the "Catalog" only approach. And, as you note, I am willing to look through many images (un-indexed) in the hope of finding my ancestor record. Your suggested approach does help me find some records that I am interested in (e.g. birth records), however, the actual records are not available, and the site recommends that I need to visit the FHL to see the actual microfilm. In years past, I have actually searched through un-indexed microfilm to find valuable information. But, darn, I was hoping to find the connection to actual records which evidently isn't always the case. I'll keep searching for other records, but obviously not all presented files actually link to viewable images. Thanks again for your expert response.
Best, Mark
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@Mark Parson
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Mark
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'Yes', NOT all Records a available 'on-line'.
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In regard to (copies of) Records held by the Church.
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Some are available 'on-line' at home.
Some are available 'on-line' at a "Family History Centre" (FHC) of the the Church.
Some are available on "Film" at the "Family History Library" (FHL) of the Church.
[ In 'Temple Square' of 'Salt Lake City' in Utah, USA]
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Whereas, some/others are "Restricted"; and, ONLY available, 'on-line'; and/or, viewing on "Film", under certain circumstances.
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It is the Record Custodian, from whom the Church obtained the Records, who decides (and, directs), if; when; and, how, Records can be accessed; and, who puts "Restrictions" on such Records.
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There are many and varied reasons as to why such Records are "Restricted".
It is not simple.
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In fact, the Church has to maintain numerous "Contractual" Agreements/Arrangements with the MANY Record Custodians to obtain the Records - which includes, among other things, if; when; and, how, Records can be accessed.
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Outside of the Church (ie. "FamilySearch") ...
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NOT all Records are "Public"; and, certainly, NOT all Records are FREE to access.
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So, NOT all Records are EASILY available.
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"Frustrating" we all know.
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'Yes', all you/we can do is keep searching and hoping.
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Good Luck.
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Brett
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ps: I am certainly no expert, just someone like you, that has been doing it for some time.
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