Hi Bob --

I'm guessing you'll get several replies to this message, but as a person
who couldn't do research without an FHC I have to send my opinion.

FHC stands for Family History Center. They are operated by the LDS (Mormon)
church and are staffed by volunteers at various churches around the world.
They are open and free to everyone regardless of religion. In fact it is
the policy of FHC's not to inquire about your or anyone else's religion.
Religion is discussed only in the context of what church your ancestor
attended and therefore what records you might be looking for.

In Salt Lake City is the largest genealogy library in the world. Because
offering church membership to one's ancestors is a commandment to LDS
members, genealogy research is important. Their collection is not limited
to books that have been published, but they have gone out and filmed town
records, church records, tax records, well, records wherever they could
find them and get permission to film. They have all federal and state
census records on film, and much from around the world as well. When the
library has only the printed version in its collection, it does not
circulate to Family History Centers, but most of the film circulates.

In addition to the library catalog, there are several large databases which
are available to visitors at all FHC's. The International Genealogical
Index (IGI) includes those people for whom certain special ceremonies have
been performed at LDS Temples. While this does not give you a pedigree or
descendancy chart, relationships of son/daughter, father/mother, or spouse
is necessary for inclusion. The Ancestral File is a 7-CD database of
pedigree submissions from people (both church member and non-member) all
over the world -- mostly US. This and the IGI are very useful as clues to
further research. Sometimes it is very good genealogy and sometimes it is
not. The Scottish Old Parish Registers are another database available if
you have ancestors from Scotland. The OPR's contain B-M-D info prior to
1855, when registrations began at the Government level. These are limited
to the Presbyterian church, so if your ancestor was Catholic or Church of
England, they won't be there, but this is still a good resource. The Social
Security Death Index is another finding aid kept at the FHC.

As I said, access to the FHC is free. There is a charge for supplies/copies
and there is a rental fee for the film, currently $3.25 for about 60 days.
You must look at the film at the FHC. Some of the supplies include computer
disks, printed Research Notes, by Country and by State, Forms, etc.
Different centers have different hours, depending on volunteer
availability, so you should try to call before driving over. When you call,
ask if you'll need to reserve computer time, as I understand it is
difficult to get time at some centers. Most are open at least some
evenings, I believe.

As I said in my opener, I couldn't do research without my FHC. I live in
Alaska, 700 miles from Seattle and a decent genealogy library. But even if
I lived in Seattle, or Albany, or Boston, I would still use the FHC.

Good luck,

Elizabeth Richardson
Ketchikan, Alaska
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----------
> From: R DAgostino <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Success! notice from Barbara Gardner - query re FHC
> Date: Monday, November 24, 1997 8:12 PM
>
> Sent November 25 at 1:05 am EST
>
> First: congratulations to Barbara on making headway in her research!
>
> Now: my question. Pardon my lack of knowledge, but what's FHC, what do
they offer,
> etc.?
>
> We're attempting to research my wife's family, and this could be a new
avenue to
> follow.
>
> Thanks in advance for answering!
>
> Bob D'Agostino,
>                                     [log in to unmask]
>