Family History Resources in Salt Lake City, UT

The Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, UT is the largest and most extensive genealogy library in the world. One of the top tourist destinations in Salt Lake City, people come from all over the world to visit the library and research their ancestry. The library has family history information on more than two billion deceased people from around the world, including the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and more. Many of the records are dated prior to 1920, and data can be found on more than 2.2 million rolls of microfilm, 740,000 microfiche, and 300,000 books, serials, and periodicals. If you're looking for information about your ancestors, chances are you'll find it here.

The Family History Library (formerly the Genealogical Society of Utah) was established in 1894 as a gathering place for genealogical records of members of the LDS Church. The current facility was dedicated in 1985 and is open to the public free of charge. The Family History Library is continually expanding, with 300 cameras currently micro-filming records in 40 countries.

If you're new to genealogy or just feeling overwhelmed by the impressive amount of information available here, don't worry. Also on hand at the 142,000 square-foot Family History Library are hundreds of staff-members and volunteers to assist you with your search. Additionally, there are more than 80 computers, 600 microfilm readers, and 75 microfiche readers available for patron use, as well as workstations and seating to accommodate up to 365 people. The Family History Library offers introductory and advanced research classes. Access to information--and assistance--is free.

The Family History Library is open Mondays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Sundays. The library is located at 35 North West Temple Street in Salt Lake City.

Beginners, or those with a casual interest in genealogy, may want to consider starting their family history search at the Family Search Center in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. There are computer workstations which can accommodate individuals or groups, plus more than 8 million paper records, and microfilm of the 1920 U.S. Census. Trained volunteers are available to assist with orientation, research, and guidance. There is no charge to visit the Family Search Center.

The Family Search Center is open Mondays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Sundays. The Family Search Center is located at 15 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City.

For more information about The Family Search Center or the Family History Library, call (801) 240-2331 or visit www.familysearch.org.