How to Use the FamilySearch API MCP in Windsurf

Use the FamilySearch API directly in Windsurf to map ancestors and pull records without leaving your code editor.

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Connect FamilySearch API MCP to Windsurf

Create your Vinkius account to connect FamilySearch API to Windsurf 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 Windsurf

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Claude

Perplexity

Automate pedigree mapping in Windsurf

Cascade handles the heavy lifting when you need to visualize ancestry. You provide a starting ID, and the agent uses `get_person_pedigree` to traverse the tree, mapping connections directly into your project files. This approach avoids manual data entry. Cascade chains `search_persons` with pedigree queries to ensure your local tree matches the live records on the platform.

Pull historical records into your workflow

Stop digging through web browsers to find documentation. You can call `list_historical_collections` to identify relevant record sets, then use `get_person_details` to grab the specific metadata you need for your research. Everything stays inside your IDE. The MCP server keeps your research context local, so you spend less time context-switching and more time building your data structures.

Verify record status instantly

Before you start a long research session, check if the backend is actually responding. The `check_api_status` tool gives you a clear yes or no on connectivity. Never waste cycles on failed requests. If the API is down, you'll know before your agent attempts to fetch memories or pedigree data, saving you from hitting rate limits unnecessarily.

Setup guide

Set up FamilySearch API MCP in Windsurf

Prerequisites

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

1

Open MCP configuration

Click the Cascade assistant icon in the sidebar, then click the hammer icon (🔨) at the top of the panel. Select "Configure" to open ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json.
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

Refresh MCPs

Go back to the hammer icon (🔨) in Cascade and click "Refresh". Windsurf will detect the new server. No full restart is needed — the connection is hot-reloaded.
4

Verify in Cascade

Start a new Cascade conversation and ask something like "Show my FamilySearch API payment history." If connected, Cascade will call the FamilySearch API tools directly. You will see a green dot next to the server name in the MCP panel.

mcp_config.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 Windsurf

Open your Cascade prompt and ask it to find a specific person. It will execute `search_persons` to return the right identifiers for your project.

Yes, Cascade manages the logic for you. It sequences the tools to pull details and memories without you needing to write custom integration scripts.

Vinkius manages the connection through an ephemeral sandbox. Your credentials and genealogical records never touch local storage outside of your current Windsurf session.

The server returns an error code that your agent will detect. You should implement a simple wait period before trying your next query.

You can configure your agent to store results locally. This prevents redundant calls to the API while you refine your research patterns.

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