by Anne Stjern

Created on: November 15, 2008

Documenting our family's history and the connections between the generations is one of the most popular pastimes. Luckily for the amateur and the professional genealogists as well, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), popularly known as the Mormons, has developed a records depository that spans hundreds of years and all parts of the world. These records include census records, birth records, mortality indexes, court records, newspapers, obituaries, and dozens of other goldmines of data. In addition to the main library in Salt Lake City, Utah, LDS has made these records available free to the public, regardless of religious affiliation, through the more than 3,600 Family History Centers. In order to have a productive visit to the Family History Library, there are a few tasks you need to do before arriving at the center.

Visit Preparation

1) This may seem like the most obvious tip, but before planning your trip to the Family History Center (FHC) in your area, verify the days and times the library is open. Unlike municipal public libraries, the FHC is operated by volunteers and is not open 7 days a week or at all hours of the day. To avoid disappointment, call ahead.

2) Fill out a Family Group Record for each family you are researching. Most likely you will not have anywhere near the information needed to complete the Family Group Record but any information you do have, will be a great help when requesting information at the FHC. A copy of the form is pdf format is available for download on the LDS website.

3) Access the Family History Library Catalog online through the LDS website, FamilySearch.org. You can perform searches based on location, surname, author, keyword, title, etc. within the catalog. The benefit here is that although the catalog does not contain the actual records, it does contain the call numbers and/or fiche rolls for the actual record. Having this information when you arrive at the Family History Center will help you to locate the information that the FHC has on hand or order the records as an inter-library loan from the main library in Salt Lake City.

4) Bring a notebook or supply of Research Log forms to use during your research trip. These notes will help you verify your family history information and help you in future research at home or in other venues.

Visiting the Family History Center

The most frustrating and yet addictive part of researching your family history is that you never know what you will find or where you will

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>