Join us at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 11, 2026 via Zoom for our program "Search Every Word: Unlocking FamilySearch Full-Text Search" presented by Tom McCarriar.
FamilySearch Full-Text Search is opening up exciting new ways to discover records that were once difficult—or nearly impossible—to find through ordinary name indexes. In this program, we’ll take a quick look at what full-text search is and why it matters, then walk through simple search strategies, useful filters, and tips for making sense of the results. We’ll also talk about what the tool does well, where it can miss the mark, and how to use it wisely in your research. Whether you’re already using Full-Text Search or are just hearing about it for the first time, you’ll come away with practical ideas for putting it to work in your own family history research.
Tom McCarriar, a Maryland native and Navy veteran, holds BS and MS degrees in Mathematics from Duke University and Johns Hopkins University. He retired from the Department of Defense in 2015 after a 40-year career.
Tom has pursued family history research for more than 20 years, tracing his McCarragher line from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, in 1816 through New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to Baltimore in 1830. His research also includes Georgia and Adams County, Pennsylvania. Since retiring, he has focused increasingly on genetic genealogy and teaches both general genealogy and DNA courses for Howard Community College, Anne Arundel County libraries, and genealogical organizations. He also advises others on DNA testing strategies, interpreting results, and working with DNA matches. His newest area of interest is applying artificial intelligence to genealogy.
Tom is a member of the National Genealogical Society, past president and board member of the Anne Arundel Genealogical Society, founder and moderator of the AAGS DNA Special Interest Group, and an At-Large Executive Board member of the Maryland Genealogical Society, where he serves as delegate to the National Genealogical Society.
To register:
AAGS Members: You will receive the Zoom link via email before the event.
Non-Members: Please email programs@aagensoc.org to register and receive the Zoom link. We request you register no later than Wednesday, June 10, so we can send you the link in a timely manner.
