Revolutionary War Records Are First Fruits of New Record Services Program FamilySearch Teams with Service Providers to Expedite Historic Records Access SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH-FamilySearch and Footnote announced today the first project of the new Records Access program-to digitize and index the historic U.S. Revolutionary War Pension records. The Record Access program helps archives and other records custodians publish their collections online. A significant collection of genealogical and historical significance will be accessible online by leveraging the resources of FamilySearch, the world's largest repository of genealogical information, with those of Footnote. Footnote is one of the new breed of genealogy web sites working with FamilySearch to digitally preserve, index, and publish the world's records in concert with archives around the world. As part of the agreement, FamilySearch will digitize the images currently held in the National Archives Record and Administration's collection (NARA) in Washington, D.C., and Footnote will create the electronic indexes. When complete, the indexes and images will be viewable at Family History Centers and at Footnote.com. Indexes will also be available at FamilySearch.org. Numerous other national and international projects are under development at this time and will be announced as agreements are signed or data is published. To see examples of the Revolutionary War Pension Files, go to www.footnote.com/revolutionary-war.php. Records custodians worldwide are experiencing growing pressure to provide access to their records online while maintaining control and ownership. At the same time, websites that provide digitizing and publishing services are struggling with the staggering costs," said Wayne Metcalfe, director of Records Services for FamilySearch. "The new Record Access program takes advantage of FamilySearch's resources and creates an economical and effective forum where records custodians and genealogy websites can work together to accomplish their respective objectives," added Metcalfe. FamilySearch's new Records Access program provides tools and assistance to records custodians who want to publish their collection using state-of-the-art digital cameras, software, and web-based applications. FamilySearch Records Services has representatives worldwide who can work with archivists to determine how FamilySearch and affiliates can help them achieve their digital preservation and publication needs. Family History Center Support support@familysearch.org The following collection is available from the HeritageQuest Online Collection, referenced in the previous email. Note: There are two ways patrons may gain free access to the collection: 1. Family History Library and selected Family History Centers, and 2. Over 1,000 local public libraries (both in the library and online with a valid library card) U.S. Federal Census 1790 — images and every name index 1800 — images and every name index 1830 — images only 1840 — images only 1850 — images only 1860 — images and head of household index 1870 — images and head of household index 1880 — images and every name index 1890 — images and every name index 1900 — images and head of household index 1910 — images and head of household index 1920 — images and head of household index 1930 — images and partial head of household index Genealogy and Local History Book Collection Over 20,000 local histories and primary sources linked to 7.5 million full text images. Includes compiled genealogies, documentary collections, church records, military records, vital records, and more. Periodical Source Index (PERSI) Comprehensive subject index covering 1.9 million genealogy and local history periodicals indexed from over 6,300 periodicals written in English and French. Revolutionary War Pension Application Records and Bounty-Land Warrants Selected genealogical records from over 80,000 application files that are based on the participation of American officers and enlisted men. Freedman’s Bank Records Documents over 70,000 bank depositors and nearly 480,000 of their dependants and heirs through the Freedman’s Savings and Trust (the primary bank for America’s freed slaves and others from 1865 to 1874). Family History Center Support support@familysearch.org We have reached agreements with the following organizations to provide online services in the family history centers in North America. World Vital Records (worldvitalrecords.com) Kindred Konnections (kindredkonnections.com) Godfrey Memorial Library (godfrey.org) Additional information and a time line for availability will be forthcoming. We will communicate this information to you as soon as it is made available. Should you have questions, please contact FamilySearch support at 1-866-406-1830.