How to Use a Family History Center

A favorite research site for experienced genealogists is a Family History Center (FHC). These libraries are part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and are available to the public. Family History Centers are branches of the LDS Family History Library located in Salt Lake City.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a local Family History Center. There are over 3,400 Family History Centers worldwide. The centers are usually located at an LDS church. Check the telephone book, call a local LDS church or check the LDS genealogy website for a listing. The size and hours and days of operation vary for each FHC.

2. Search the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) for helpful books and records. The Family History Library has over 2 billion records and is constantly adding more. The records, available either in microfilm or computer disk, are available for loan to the FHC for a small fee.

3. Look at the International Genealogical Index (IGI). The IGI is an index of names that have been submitted to the FHLC and cataloged. Look for an ancestor's name to get valuable search leads on ancestors.

4. Use the other indexes. An FHC may have on disk the Military Death Index, a list of U.S. military deaths from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Social Security Death Index is an invaluable source, as is the Scottish Church Records index and Ancestral Files on CD.

5. Browse the FHC. Each FHC will have books, maps and other reference material onsite. Check those resources for valuable information.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the volunteer librarians for help and advice. They are adept at genealogy research and may be able to give guidance and suggestions.
• Microfilm loans from the FHL to the FHC remain for several weeks. When visiting an FHC, ask to look at films borrowed by other patrons.
• Many FHC have genealogy forms, such as pedigree charts or family sheets, which can help organize research. These may be purchased for a small fee.
• Use other researchers' information with caution. Always confirm the information and get verification of sources.