FamilySearch International is celebrating its 130th anniversary this month, growing from its start in 1894 as the Genealogical Society of Utah to what now has become the world’s largest genealogical organization. While helping people worldwide interested in family history, FamilySearch has created a collaborative online family tree with more than 1.5 billion people in its branches, currently with 18 billion searchable historical records and images. On this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Trent Toone interviews Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Family History Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch. They discuss this historic milestone and how technological advances, inspiring experiences and growing interest in genealogy truly help nourish temple work.

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.