Dear Elizabeth,

I had to let you know what a fine job you did in describing the value
and workings of the Mormon Family History Centers (FHC).  Although I'm
not a Mormon, the rest of my family is and, trust me, what you wrote is
better than any of us could have! :-D

From personal experience, waaayyyy back in 1983, it was because of the
information my sister and I dug up from the German church records at the
(now called) local FHC that led to our actually traveling to Germany,
meeting a number of Housman/Haussmann third cousins still living there
and, with their help--as chauffeur, interpreter, etc.--we were led to
the church our ancestors worshipped in Nurtingen (near Stuttgart) and
from there were led to another Haussmann cousin (7th cousin) and then to
another cousin (9th cousin once removed!) who took us all the way back
to 1450 to Hans Haussmann, the Elder, the Stamvater ("stem father") of
our Haussmann family of that area.

Of note, prior to our contacting those Haussmann third cousins, who
descended from the Schweitzer marriage into the family, they had no idea
that Jacob Schweitzer's wife Dorothea's maiden name was Haussmann.  She
was the mother of our great-grandfather.  Until we told them what we had
discovered in the records of the local Mormon FHC that told of the
Schweitzer marriage, they hadn't a clue.  We were "bringing coals to
Newcastle" where the original records were kept!!

Of further note, we were in Nurtingen only FIVE days and during that
short time, not only were we brought back to the origin of our roots,
so were they.

In 1987, four years later, I wrote a little book for my family about the
whole experience, and on numerous occasions I dig it out and read it all
over again.  I still can't believe all the beautiful twists and turns
and the final outcome of what HAS to be the most unique story of "How to
Dig Up All Your Ancestors in Only Five Days!!"

If it weren't for the records on Microfiche at the FHC, it never would
have happened.  May all of you who are searching for your family roots
find them.  And if you don't know where to start, just ask the volunteer
at your local FHC.  She's a sweetheart, trust me!

Vee Housman
Genealogy Researcher of Town of Porter families
Niagara Co., NY

Elizabeth Richardson wrote:
>
> 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
> [log in to unmask]