For those who are interested, here is the official announcement. Found at http://www.lds.org/en/4_News_Update/19990304_FIGS.html March 4, 1999 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement regarding current speculation about an Internet genealogy service sponsored by the Church: Sometime in March or April 1999, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will conduct a brief beta test of a new genealogical service for the Internet. The Church believes this service will greatly enhance the way people trace their family history. A formal announcement and launch is expected in the spring or summer of 1999. Details will not be available until then. The Family History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an international leader in genealogical research, with the world's largest collection of family history records made available to the public through a system of 3,200 Family History Centers™ located around the world.