How to Use the FamilySearch API MCP in Cursor

Q: How do I set up the FamilySearch API server in Cursor?

Add the server configuration to your .cursor/mcp.json file. Once you restart the agent, the tools become available for use in your project.

Connect the FamilySearch API to Cursor and build apps with live genealogical data.

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Connect FamilySearch API MCP to Cursor

Create your Vinkius account to connect FamilySearch API to Cursor 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 Cursor

Ask AI about this MCP

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Claude

Perplexity

Automate ancestral lookups in Cursor

Inject `search_persons` results directly into your editor's context. Your AI agent can now write code that parses actual family tree data instead of static placeholders. This setup allows you to build research tools that respond to real-time API feedback. You'll stop guessing about data structures and start coding against the real thing.

Fetch pedigree data directly into your Cursor project

Use `get_person_pedigree` to pull hierarchical data structures straight into your codebase. It’s perfect for testing how your application handles complex family relationships. Follow up with `get_person_details` to populate your views with verified biographical info. You can build your UI components while the agent handles the data fetching logic.

Explore archives using Cursor Agent mode

Call `list_historical_collections` to discover new datasets for your application. It’s the easiest way to see what you can build on top of the existing API archives. Remember to verify connectivity with `check_api_status` before triggering large loops. Don't waste your rate limits on an offline service.

Setup guide

Set up FamilySearch API MCP in Cursor

Prerequisites

Cursor installed (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP Settings

Go to Cursor Settings → MCP or open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P) and search for "MCP: Add Server".
2

Add the FamilySearch API MCP

Cursor will create or open .cursor/mcp.json in your project root. Paste the JSON snippet on the right. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Enable Agent mode

Open Composer (Cmd+I / Ctrl+I) and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown at the top. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode.
4

Verify the connection

Ask Cursor something like "List my recent FamilySearch API transactions." If the MCP tools are loaded correctly, Cursor will call the FamilySearch API tools automatically. You can also check Settings → MCP for a green status indicator.

.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "familysearch-api-mcp": {
      "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 Cursor

Enable Agent mode and ask the AI to find a specific person. It will invoke the `search_persons` tool and provide the results in the chat.

Absolutely, the tool returns JSON responses that your AI agent can use to write code. You can manipulate the data directly in your active files.

Add the server configuration to your `.cursor/mcp.json` file. Once you restart the agent, the tools become available for use in your project.

Yes, the tools provide raw data that you can use to build front-ends or data pipelines. You're working with live production data, not mocks.

The connection uses direct authentication tokens, ensuring that only your authorized requests reach the API. Your data is not cached by the server or the IDE.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

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