# Source: FamilySearch Official Site and Library Statistics

**Type:** source
**Status:** Useful
**Confidence:** Medium
**Source Type:** Official Website
**URL:** https://www.familysearch.org
**Publisher:** FamilySearch International
**Accessed:** 2026-05-09
**Updated:** 2026-05-09

## Summary

FamilySearch's public site describes its mission, free public access, the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, the global digitization and indexing program, AI-driven handwriting recognition, RootsTech, and the religious affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Wikipedia article on the FamilySearch Library and the Church Newsroom 2024 highlights provide complementary statistics.

## Useful Claims

- FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world.
- The collection includes more than 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed records, 340,000 books, and over 20.5 billion searchable records and images online.
- 2.5 billion records were added in 2024 alone according to Church Newsroom statistics.
- The service is free; account membership and Latter-day Saint affiliation are not required.
- The Genealogical Society of Utah, FamilySearch's predecessor, was founded in 1894.

## Reliability Notes

Reliable for self-description, public statistics, and program structure. Forward-looking claims about AI roadmap and privacy posture should be tracked against future product releases. The Utah Population Database link to BRCA1/BRCA2 discovery is well-documented in academic literature and University of Utah Health public pages.

## Related Pages

- [FamilySearch](familysearch.md)