How to Use the FamilySearch API MCP in Claude Code

Q: How do I add the FamilySearch API to my Claude Code config?

Run the command claude mcp add followed by the server URL. This connects the server to your terminal environment instantly.

Q: Can I automate pedigree fetching with the FamilySearch API in Claude Code?

Yes, you can script the getpersonpedigree calls. This allows you to build out entire family trees automatically from your terminal.

Run headless genealogical research tasks on the FamilySearch API using Claude Code directly from your terminal.

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Connect FamilySearch API MCP to Claude Code

Create your Vinkius account to connect FamilySearch API to Claude Code and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup FamilySearch API with Claude Code

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Script pedigree extraction with Claude Code

Automate your data collection by piping `get_person_pedigree` output into your shell scripts. Claude Code handles the logic, letting you process large branches without manual intervention. It's built for terminal users who need fast execution. You can chain these commands into your CI/CD pipelines to keep your local research databases updated.

Query historical records from the CLI

Use `list_historical_collections` to audit what is available before you start your deep search. Claude Code returns the results directly to your terminal buffer. You can then feed those collection IDs into `search_persons` to narrow down your focus. It is a precise way to filter data without a browser.

Monitor API health from the terminal

Keep tabs on service availability with `check_api_status`. Since you are working in a headless environment, this tool is vital for your automation scripts. If the status returns an error, your pipeline can trigger an alert or pause execution. It keeps your automated research tasks resilient against downtime.

Setup guide

Set up FamilySearch API MCP in Claude Code

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed (npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Run the add command

Open your terminal and run the command shown on the right. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com. Use --scope user to make it available across all projects.
2

Verify the connection

Start a Claude Code session and type /mcp to list connected servers. You should see familysearch-api-mcp with a green status indicator.
3

Start using tools

Ask Claude Code something like "Check my latest FamilySearch API transactions." It will automatically discover and invoke the available FamilySearch API tools.

Terminal

claude mcp add --transport http familysearch-api-mcp https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

Get your connection token →

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open the config file

Create or edit .mcp.json in your project root for project-level scope, or ~/.claude.json for user-level scope.
2

Add the FamilySearch API MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Code

Start a new Claude Code session. Type /mcp to confirm the server is connected. The tools will be automatically available in your conversation.

.mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "familysearch-api-mcp": {
      "type": "url",
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by FamilySearch API. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about FamilySearch API MCP in Claude Code

Run the command `claude mcp add` followed by the server URL. This connects the server to your terminal environment instantly.

Yes, you can script the `get_person_pedigree` calls. This allows you to build out entire family trees automatically from your terminal.

Yes, Vinkius uses a zero-trust model. Your session is ephemeral, and your authentication token is never exposed to the local filesystem.

It does. You can pipe the JSON responses from any tool directly into other CLI utilities for processing.

Your research queries and pedigree data are processed in a V8 Isolate sandbox. No data is cached by the server; it only passes through during your active session.

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