Can you believe it? A press release from FamilySearch on Monday announced a historic milestone. I am proud to have been a part of it.

“Thank you for contributing to the billion! We did it! We reached a major milestone of one billion records indexed and arbitrated since the launch of FamilySearch indexing in September of 2006. We are grateful for the many volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to make these records freely available for online research.

Kenneth B. (California, United States), Brittney S. (Idaho, United States), and April R. (Alberta, Canada) were the lucky ones to index and arbitrate the billionth record! They will receive a FamilySearch backpack stuffed with FamilySearch goodies. We also want to thank all the volunteers who have contributed to the billion records with a FamilySearch indexing badge.

It took us seven years to reach the first billion. How long do you think it will take us to reach the next billion? The advances of technology and the dedication of our volunteers have increased the speed in which we can process and deliver records for publication. Join the global effort to make the next billion records available for family history research. Start indexing now! familysearch.org/indexing”

Have you helped with indexing records? It really isn’t difficult. Well, there are some tough to read records, but most aren’t that bad. You receive access to an easy-to-fill-in indexing form. I will be back to helping with the indexing next fall after I am finished with the work of co-chairing the 2013 FGS Conference. Anyone can contribute, we don’t need to be members of the Mormon Church. We all benefit.

© 2013 – 2014, Paula Stuart-Warren. All rights reserved.