Mormon Genealogy Research - 4 Tips For Utilizing The Center

One organization stands out in the field of64 countries. They provide over 100,000 rolls of
genealogical research: The Church of Jesus Christmicrofilmed Mormon genealogy that circulate the
of Latter-Day Saints (or LDS). Popularly known asCenters every month. Microfilm records contain
the Mormon church, they have a special reasonvital, census, land, immigration, probate, and
for needing genealogical information, what they callchurch records as well as other important
an ancestor's proxy baptism. Done since 1840 forgenealogical information. In the United States, you
people who have already passed away, a livingcan find Centers in both large cities and smaller
person acts as a proxy who is baptized on behalfcommunities.
of the deceased. The practices is limited to thisBecause they're funded largely through local
religious sect.congregations, they are usually located in church
But to do ancestor proxy baptisms, Mormonbuildings. These satellite libraries that contain
genealogy efforts have been intense. This hasMormon genealogy resources to help people in
resulted in the LDS having a huge database, thetheir genealogical research. Visitors can use the
International Genealogical Index, or IGI, open toFamily History Centers without charge. Volunteers
the general public through their FamilySearchare eager to help by answering questions and
website. The church also maintains a Centraloffering advice. Records may not be available at a
Library and Family History Centers in Salt Lakespecific Center because they're circulated through
City, Utah.the system, but you can request a loan of
Anyone can use these resources. LDS membersspecific records through a Center volunteer,
contribute the biggest part Mormon genealogypaying from $3 to $5 per film.
records in the IGI. Starting with an easy-to-useIt can take two to five weeks for the requested
data input form, database searches are based onMormon genealogy information to arrive a the
a deceased individual's name, their parents' andlocal Center, and they'll be held there for about
spouse's names, date of birth, and locationthree weeks for the requester to pick them up.
(worldwide) to search available records forAfter three weeks, the Center will return the
relevant information. You can search with as littleinformation to circulation.
as the person's name and region. The IGI isHere are some tips on how specific record
basically a huge index of surnames recorded inrequests are handled:
the Mormon Family History Centers and website.- Requesters can renew the loan if they need
As you might guess, their website is biased inmore time.
favor of church-member needs, but it contains- It is possible to have specific records
many resources where you may find your ownpermanently located at a specific Family Health
non-Mormon family members. Searches throughCenter by renewing the microfilm rolls twice or
the Mormon genealogy database can bepaying within three rental periods.
cumbersome, though, because of the size and- To arrange a permanent loan, requesters should
amount of detail the it contains.inform the Center of their intentions and pay the
Visiting a Family History Centerthree rental periods in advance for the Mormon
It's hard to name a genealogist who wouldn'tgenealogy research information.
want to visit the Mormon's famous Family History- While books can't be borrowed from the
Library in Salt Lake City. But since travel to SaltCenters, you can ask one of the Center's
Lake City was not always possible, the churchvolunteers that they be microfilmed.
opened more than 3400 Family History Centers in