Genealogy News Catch Up

Usually we try to post on genealogy news as it happens but sometimes life gets in the way. Here is a compilation of some genealogy-related news items.

Family History Library/FamilySearch Microfilm Rentals to Cease Distribution September 1, 2017
Back on May 30th, FamilySearch announced that it will discontinue distribution of FHL microfilm/microfiche rentals on September 1, 2017. Two of the reasons for this are changes in the microfilm industry and the progress made on digitizing its microfilm collection. Though FamilySearch says it does not expect to be complete digitization of its collection until 2020.

The last day to place a microfilm rental order is August 31, 2017. If you know you need/want to order microfilm(s), do so sooner rather than later. To order/rent a microfilm, log into your free FamilySearch user account, double check that you have specified the Family History Center you want your rentals to be delivered to and then use the FamilySearch catalog to locate the films/fiches you desire. Click on the icon to order the film/fiche. You might want to prepare you list of film/fiche numbers first to make ordering easier. Payment is by credit card or PayPal.

What happens after September 1st? We're not sure. If digitized microfilm is not made available freely from home, it might be possible it could be added to restricted access items meaning you would need to view it when visiting a local Family History Center or at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. What happens will likely depend on FamilySearch getting revised/updated agreements with the owners of the original material/records regarding distribution.

Genealogists may be taking a few more research road trips in the future.


MyHeritage Acquires Millennia Corporation (Producer of Legacy Family Tree Software and Legacy Family Tree Webinars)
On August 3, My Heritage and Millennia Corporation announced that MyHeritage is acquiring Millennia Corporation which is the producer of the Legacy Family Tree software and Legacy Family Tree Webinars website/service.

The merger is friendly and the announcement says "... everything will stay the same ... just better." New features will be developed for future releases/updates, an improved webinar platform to provide more than than 1,000 virtual seats for live webinars, "significant discounts" on MyHeritage subscriptions and DNA tests, and the same high-level customer service.

To celebrate the acquisition, there is a limited-time offer thru Sunday, August 13, 2017, of saving 50 percent off of Legacy Family Tree software and/or Legacy Family Tree Webinar 1-Year memberships (new customers or extensions for existing customers.) Use the links below to get to the product sale, or use the links in the Legacy blog announcement which is linked above.

Legacy Family Tree software
Regularly from $34.95 now from $17.48

Legacy Family Tree Webinar 1-Year Membership
New or Extension regularly $49.95 now $24.98

If you are an existing Family Tree Webinar subscriber/member, do not forget to sign into your webinar membership account before placing an order.


Do Not Forget the Family Tree DNA Month-Long Friends and Family Sale
See our August 1st post on the Family Tree DNA Friends and Family Sale on DNA tests that started August 1 and continues thru August 31.
Those are the news items, there will be another catch up post regarding genealogy sources in the near future.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE