Welcome to the Ancestry.com World Archives Project

For centuries, key moments in the world’s stories have been captured on fragile paper. These records are often all that’s left of our ancestors’ lives. Sadly, many of the world’s historical records are disappearing faster than any one organization can preserve them. Our organization is excited to be part of the effort that is preserving history – the history that would otherwise disappear with the paper it’s recorded on.

How it works
The Ancestry.com World Archives Project needs our help and genealogy expertise in keying important records, creating searchable indexes for all those pursuing family research. Together, we will become part of a support community, networking and sharing resources with others doing the same work around the globe. The South Orange County California Genealogical Society has signed on to sponsor California, U.S. Naturalization Originals, 1795-1972 for Los Angeles and San Diego areas.

All indexes created through the Ancestry.com World Archives Project will remain free and accessible on Ancestry.com. For any project that our organization sponsors, a digital copy of the index and images will be donated back to us. And by being associated with the World Archives Project, our organization will also receive exposure through free advertising alongside other partnering organizations fighting to preserve our past.

In addition, active contributors in the World Archives Project will receive free access to original images for each of the World Archives Project databases.

How do I start?
To get started, simply download the free Ancestry.com World Archives Project tool and follow the steps provided. Visit www.ancestry.com/worldarchivesproject and begin saving the world’s stories.

Register now at www.ancestry.com/worldarchivesproject

November 2009