19 March 2009

HOBART, Australia - "About 168,000 original records will be available online under a new partnership between the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office (TAHO) and FamilySearch," according to a statement issued by LinFamilySearch volunteer examining original records in preparation for electronic indexing. Thorp, Tasmania's Minister for Education and Skills.

The statement continues:

"Ms Thorp said the volunteer project, which will continue for around 12 months, would include registers of volunteers enrolled in the Southern Tasmanian Volunteer Artillery (1879 -1899); details of permanent officers of the public service (1905 -1947); lower court records (1847 -1900); gaol records (1890-1932); naturalisation records (1835 -1905) and land engine operation certificates (1890 -1919).

"To have these fantastic resources available online is of great importance to researchers interested in family history," she said.

The government's press release ads: "FamilySearch has been actively gathering, preserving and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. FamilySearch is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org."

To view the government press release in full click here.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are among the most active genealogists in the world.  FamilySearch is the largest free on-line ancestral research service in the world.  To explore FamilySearch click here.