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Click on a frequently asked question for
the answer:
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Q:
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Why do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints trace their family history and do genealogical research? |
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A:
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
emphasizes the importance of family relationships and believes
that families can be united in the most sacred of all human
relationships—as husband and wife and as parents and
children—in a way not limited by death. Through priesthood
authority from God, marriages are performed in temples. These
marriages can continue
throughout this life and for all eternity. In addition, children
are "sealed" to their parents, meaning
that their relationship to their parents will continue even
after death. In order to give these same blessings to their
deceased ancestors, Church members seek information about their
ancestors to be able to perform marriages and sealings
on their behalf.
These ancestors may then choose to accept these sacred rites. |
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Q:
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How do I get started with genealogical research about my
own family history? |
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A:
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Begin with yourself and your immediate family by
recording information you already know. Look for important
documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses,
and
death certificates. When you have written down all the names,
dates, places, and relationships you know, then ask your
parents, grandparents, other relatives, and family friends
for information. Gather as much information from living
sources as
possible. Then begin to search for records that other people
may have compiled about your family (such as published family
histories, county histories, and genealogical databases). When
you have examined these sources of information, begin your
search for records from the time and place your ancestors
lived (look for census data and vital records such as birth,
marriage, or death certificates). |
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Q:
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What kinds of records are in the
Family History Library? |
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A:
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The Family History Library contains a variety of records
that can help with family history and genealogical research.
First there are vital records; these include birth, marriage,
and death records from both government and church sources.
The
library collection also includes census returns; court,
property, and probate records; cemetery records; emigration
and immigration lists; printed genealogies; and family and
county histories. The Family History Library’s computer
system also contains several large databases, some with
millions of names. They include the Ancestral File, the
Pedigree Resource File, the Vital Records Index, and the
International Genealogical Index. You can access these
databases on the Internet at www.familysearch.org.
The Family History Library’s collection concentrates on records
of deceased persons who lived before 1930. All records are
obtained legally with the
approval and cooperation of the government and local
authorities who have jurisdiction over the records. |
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Q:
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How does the Family History
Library obtain records? |
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A:
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Some records are donated to the library by individuals,
families, and genealogical societies. Other records, such as
the Social Security Death Index, U.S. Census Records, or
published family and county histories, are purchased. Most of
the library’s collection has been filmed by the Genealogical
Society of Utah. Currently, microfilmers of the Society are
filming important records in over 40 countries. |
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Q:
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Why do
you keep your records in the Granite Mountain Records Vault? |
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A:
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The vault is a storage facility constructed to safeguard
the master copies of the Family History Library’s microfilm records. It was excavated from a mountainside in
Little Cottonwood Canyon, about 25 miles from downtown Salt
Lake City. Should any disaster befall the Family History
Library, most of its precious records could be duplicated.
From time to time the microfilms in general circulation at the
library become worn or damaged and are replaced by a new copy produced at
the vault. In order to maintain proper storage conditions, the
climate of the vault is carefully controlled, and access is
very limited. |
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Q:
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What
is the difference between
the Family History Library and family history centers? |
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A:
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The Family History Library, located in Salt Lake City,
is the main repository for most of the genealogical
information the Church has collected. Family history
centers (more than 4,000 around the world) are branches of
the Family History Library. These centers eliminate the need
to
travel to Salt Lake City to use the record collection. Most
of the microfilm and electronic data collections are accessible
at centers around the world. There is no charge for use of
the
Family History Library or family history centers. Volunteer
staffs are on hand to lend assistance. |
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Q:
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How is the Family History Library
funded? |
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A:
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The Family History Library and its activities, programs,
and services are funded by voluntary donations from members of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
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