List, I know several families came here from Virginia, so I'm passing this
new information on. How wonderful to see the originals.
The net just keeps getting better and better.
LA
----- Original Message -----
From: Myrt<mailto:Myrt@DearMYRTLE.com>
To: DEARMYRTLE-L@rootsweb.com<mailto:DEARMYRTLE-L@rootsweb.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 1:12 PM
--------------------------------------------------------
Just received the following announcement from
FamilySearch.org. This is the
first of the new indexes to scanned images. FamilySearch Archive did the
indexing part, and the state of West Virginia is hosting the images. Just a
hint of things to come. BRAVO! -- Myrt :)
--------------------------------------------------------
FamilySearch(TM) News Release
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2005
Genealogists with West Virginia Roots Score Big Time
State puts free database of vital records online
Salt Lake City, Utah-Thanks to the help of FamilySearch Archive (Genealogy
Society of Utah), searching those elusive ancestors with West Virginian
origins or connections may now be just a mouse click away. FamilySearch
scanned and indexed the records and the West Virginia Division of Culture
and History is hosting them online. The free database consists of millions
of West Virginia births, deaths, and marriages - a goldmine for genealogists
and historians. Researchers and curiosity seekers can now search and view
scanned images of original birth, death, and marriage records from six
counties, as well as most statewide death certificates from 1917-54 at
www.wvculture.org/vrr<http://www.wvculture.org/vrr>.
The database has over 3.5 million names linked to 1.4 million original
images of birth, marriage, and death records from Calhoun, Gilmer, Hardy,
Harrison, Mineral and Pendleton counties. The record dates vary by county
and type of record, but typically range from 1816 to 1929. Birth records are
for the period 1853-1930, county death records for 1853-1969/1970, and
county marriage records from the creation of the county until the late
1960s, all of which are searchable by name, county, and date.
FamilySearch filmed, scanned, and created the automatic index at the heart
of the online database. Paul Nauta, manager of Public Affairs for
FamilySearch said, "Birth, marriage, and death records together in a single
database are particularly attractive to researchers because multiple
generations of ancestors can be found on one document, and you can track
their growth and whereabouts over time as noted by births, marriages, and
deaths in the family." All users have to do is type in an ancestor's name to
search the free database. They can also view a high quality, scanned image
of the original document. The project required 2,500 volunteers and 64,000
hours to complete. West Virginia plans to add records from additional
counties in the future.
FamilySearch is a nonprofit entity committed to preserving and increasing
access to vital records of genealogical significance and producing
high-quality products and services for the family historian. FamilySearch
maintains the world's largest repository of genealogical resources with
vital records from over 110 countries, territories, and possessions and
provides free access through
FamilySearch.org, the Family History Library in
Salt Lake City, and over 5000 branches (family history centers) in 70
countries.
Paul Nauta
Manager of Public Affairs
Family & Church History Department
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