"A new era in family history work has arrived," Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the April 1998 general conference.
Speaking of the technological advances that help members quicken the work of gathering names of ancestors for temple work, Elder Nelson referred to the founding of the Genealogical Society of Utah in 1894 to today's modern five-story Family History Library in Salt Lake City "with access to 280,000 books, 700,000 microfiches and more than 2 million rolls of microfilm, making it the largest library of its kind in the world.
"Technology used to support this important work has changed greatly over the years. In 1927, a card file was instituted to index all endowments performed. The index was maintained through 1969, when new endowments were recorded in the first major computer system, identified by the acronym GIANT. It was used for more than two decades."
Elder Nelson spoke of microfilming efforts throughout the world. "These microfilms comprise the core of information contained in our present automated systems.
"By the 1980s, the personal computer had revolutionized the management of information. The Family History Department employed this technology in developing Personal Ancestral File to help members organize data regarding their ancestors. In 1990, FamilySearch was announced."
Then came extraction programs, among other means of gathering information and records. "May I express our deep appreciation to all valiant volunteers — past, present and future — for their diligent work on these and other projects."
Since then have come more Church programs, including the Family History SourceGuide and Vital Records Index. "I am excited about these and other developments. Tasks that once seemed beyond reach are now within our grasp. A new harvest time has come. The way is opening by which we can obey His will and provide welding links between all dispensations and generations."
However, Elder Nelson emphasized, "To get started, you do not need equipment. Begin with a pedigree chart and a family group record. List the names of those you know. Add information learned from living relatives. This simple start at home will prepare you to receive additional help. And when you are baptized for a deceased ancestor, you will sense a feeling of validation of this divine work that will bring great joy."
