In Salt Lake City, Utah at Temple Square , sits an amazing building. The Family History Library at Temple Square is the largest genealogical library in the world and it attracts visitors from all over the globe to come find information about their ancestors. The library was founded in 1894, and offers records and genealogical data for over 3 billion deceased ancestors ! ” Experienced research specialists and trained volunteers provide a unique and personal experience to help you discover your ancestors and grow your family tree.” (family search wiki)
The library is open to the public free of charge and is operated by FamilySearch, the genealogical arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“The library holds genealogical records for over 110 countries, territories, and possessions. Its collections include over 1.6 million rolls of microfilmed records onsite and access the total collection of more than 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 727,000 microfiche; 356,000 books, serials, and other formats; 4,500 periodicals; 3,725 electronic resources including subscriptions to the major genealogical websites…In addition, guests have free access to billions of additional record images online. The Family History Library has 550 internet-enabled guest computers and over 200 microfilm and microfiche readers. The Library also offers free access to film, book, and photo scanning equipment to help our guests digitally preserve and share family records.” (Wikipedia)
Free services include:
- Fun and engaging interactive discovery experiences for the whole family on the Main Floor
- Online access to FamilySearch.org and other subscription genealogical websites
- Photo, film, 35 mm slide scanner, and book scanners to digitize your family treasures
- Recording booths to preserve your family stories and memories
- Activities, classes, and workshops for people of all ages and skill levels
- Open access to thousands of record collections, publications, and microfilms
- Children’s Area which allows parents to do computer research and watch their children at the same time
If you are not local to the area and are planning a special trip, make sure you have an idea of what you are wanting to research, have a good sketch of your tree, and use family search online tools to prepare yourself for any special research materials you may need to access. Order any microfilms ahead of time. Some of them are stored in the Granite vault and take a day to arrive. Check out this great Article that talks about what to do to help prepare you for your first visit. A little preparation goes a long way!
ARE YOU A NEWBIE JUST STARTING OUT?
Start with the Discovery Center!
Located in the Family History Library , “The Discovery Center has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a valuable experience for people who are just starting their family history. The Discovery Center is free and located at the Family History Library. ”
Need Help?? Not to worry, the Family History Library has you covered! DID YOU KNOW???The library offers FREE research assistance to help patrons trace their own family history. … “Professional genealogists and volunteers offer assistance in about 30 languages, which includes reading and translating genealogically relevant documents. The library also offers free one-on-one consultations on difficult research problems. Additionally, there are classes on genealogical research topics free to the public and classes available online. Free family history research advice and information are offered online at the FamilySearch Research Wiki.”… We employ an impressive cadre of 45 full- and part-time staff, and 550 full- and part-time volunteers. Our volunteers hail from all over the world, many of them dedicating up to 18 months, at their own expense, to help guests make successful discoveries.” (family search wiki)
LOCATIONS AND HOURS: ***
*** At the time of this writing the center was temporarily closed due to Covid. However much research can still be done online and through their free website FamilySearch, and assistance will still be provided through their online presence. Here is their official statement displayed on their website.
“NOTICE: Family History Library Closure – Out of concern for the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff, the Family History Library in Salt Lake City will be closed starting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020 until further notice. This closure is to support preventive efforts to control the spread of the CVOID-19 (Coronavirus). We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to use the vast genealogical resources available at FamilySearch.org to continue your family discoveries. During the time the Family History Library is closed personal assistance will continue to be provided online though FamilySearch Communities and Family History Library Classes and Webinars. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause. For the latest Family History Library status updates, please refer to the FamilySearch newsroom.” (Family Search)
The Family History Center is a one of a kind resource that you cant miss if you are anywhere near Salt Lake City.. Definitely worth the trip to visit and spend a few days and really get down to the nitty gritty on your research! State of the art, friendly, helpful and FREE!!
