Over the last year, we have seen amazing growth at the FamilySearch Center here in Springville. We have an amazing staff of individuals who can help the people of our community find information about their ancestors, and not just dates and places, but also stories, documents and photos that many have never seen before. Even with all that we have accomplished, there are still some misconceptions about who we are and what is available in our center.
1. Family history is not just for “Old” people. We have children, youth groups and families coming in all the time. Family history can be fun, especially our “Escape Rooms” which are available by making an appointment.
2. FamilySearch is not just for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Anyone, regardless of culture or religious background, can make a free account and start building their family tree and finding their ancestors who are already in the system, or adding the family members who are not.
3. Studies show that while 70% of Americans think knowing their family history is important, only 33% say they or a family member have ever gone to an online genealogy site. Many just don’t know where to start. Let us help you connect with your family past and present.
4.We have over 25 computers for patrons to use to research family, but that’s not all we do. We also have digitizing equipment that visitors can use to preserve photos, cassette tapes, 8mm and Super8 movies, DVDs, VHS tapes, slides, negatives and scrapbooks to a flash drive or SD card. All of this is free of charge. There’s no reason to send your items out somewhere and pay lots of money to do what you can do for free. Our staff will show you how to use the simple equipment that can be reserved on our website.
5. There are numerous classes held each month on various topics to help you in your quest of connecting to the ancestors who made you who you are. Reserve your spot in the classes on our website. Classes for March include:
a. Beginning FamilySearch and Family History Leader Training
b. Using the FamilySearch Mobile Apps
c. Researching the US Censuses
d. Scandinavian and German Research
e. Researching Ancestors Using Newspapers
f. Using FamilySearch Side by Side with Ancestry.com
g. Scanning VHS and DVDs, 8mm and Super 8mm, Scrapbooks and Bound Books
6. WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS – Call 801-376-8933 or go to our website if volunteering to help others is something you are interested in. You only need a love for family. We will train you for the technical aspects.
260 S. 700 E. – Springville – 801-489-2956
Use the Door on the South Side
“In Every Conceivable Manner, Family is the Link to Our Past, the Bridge to Our Future” – Alex Haley
Submitted by Sharon Ewing
