Family History Library (FHL)
and the local Family History Centers (FHC)

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah was founded back in 1894 to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) research their genealogical roots.  It is the largest genealogical library in the world.  Now, the Library is open to all genealogists and family historians.  You do not have to be a member of the LDS Church to use its extensive sources.  The Family History Library is visited by over 2,000 patrons every day!

One does not need to visit Salt Lake City to use the Library's collection of microfilm and microfiche.  There are Family History Centers located across the country and around the world.  Each Family History Center is a branch of the main Library.  Each FHC is staffed by volunteers who can help you research your family.  For a minimal fee, you can request copies of microfilms and microfiche from the Library in Salt Lake City.  The material will be sent to your FHC for you to use.  The material must be viewed at the FHC within a certain amount of time.  You can not check any of the material out.  You have the option of extending the time period for borrowing.  Keep in mind that some of the material, like books, maps and some microfilms and microfiche, are protected material and can not be loaned out to the FHC from the Library.

• For more information on the Family History Library, visit their site at www.familysearch.org


• For finding a Family History Center nearest you, place a search at their site.

Before heading to your Family History Center, you can check the Library's catalog through the website above: www. familysearch.org.  It's also a great site for the beginner with all of its tutorials, explanations and sample charts.  You can search its databases, like the Ancestral File and International Genealogical Index (IGI).

Steps on searching the Family History Library's catalog online:

1. Go to the site www.familysearch.org
2. Click on "Search" located at the top middle of the page.
3. Select "Catalog".  (Or select "Records" to search for any records online.  But remember, though the good folks at the FHL are working aggresivley at digitzing their microfilm collection, the VAST number of records in the FHL collection are still only available on microfilm.)
4. Enter in the "Places" field the name of your ancestral parish and/or village. Try both for the best results.

Remember, the Family History Library and each of the Family History Centers welcome you with open arms.  There you will undoubtedly expand your pedigree charts and see your passion for genealogy grow!