How to Use the FamilySearch API MCP in VS Code Copilot
Deploy the FamilySearch API to your team's VS Code Copilot workspace.
Works with every AI agent you already use
…and any MCP-compatible client
Connect FamilySearch API MCP to VS Code Copilot
Create your Vinkius account to connect FamilySearch API to VS Code Copilot and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.
Standardize FamilySearch API access in VS Code
Commit your configuration to `.vscode/mcp.json` so every dev on your team uses the same `search_persons` implementation. It keeps your genealogical research logic consistent across the entire repo. Stop sharing individual API scripts. This approach ensures everyone is hitting the same endpoints with the correct parameters.
Pull pedigree records into VS Code Copilot
Use `get_person_pedigree` to generate data-driven reports for your team. It pulls exact ancestry links that you can then process or visualize in your internal tools. Once you have the tree, `get_person_details` fills in the gaps. Your team can now debug data issues without ever leaving the IDE.
Audit your API usage in VS Code
Use `check_api_status` to monitor the health of your integration. It’s a simple way to prevent your team from running into rate-limit errors during a sprint. If you need more context, `get_person_memories` allows you to pull historical assets into your workspace. It's all managed through the same secure MCP interface.
Set up FamilySearch API MCP in VS Code Copilot
Prerequisites
- VS Code 1.99 or later with GitHub Copilot extension
- Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token
- 1
Open MCP configuration
Open the Command Palette (
Cmd+Shift+P/Ctrl+Shift+P) and run "MCP: Add Server". Select HTTP (Streamable) as the server type. VS Code will create.vscode/mcp.jsonin your workspace. - 2
Add the FamilySearch API MCP
Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into your
.vscode/mcp.json. Replace[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com. - 3
Switch to Agent mode
Open Copilot Chat (
Cmd+Shift+I/Ctrl+Shift+I) and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode — they do not appear in Edit or Ask modes. - 4
Verify the connection
In the Copilot Chat input, type
#to list available tools. You should see the FamilySearch API tools listed. Try asking: "List my recent FamilySearch API transactions" and Copilot will invoke them automatically.
{
"mcpServers": {
"familysearch-api-mcp": {
"url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
}
}
}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.
Why Choose Vinkius
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Built-in savings
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Common questions about FamilySearch API MCP in VS Code Copilot
Use it with your favorite AI tools
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