Rochester Minnesota Family History Center

WELCOME to the Family History Center!

 * Family History Assistance is available when you leave a phone or email message.
 * Phone: 507-281-6641 (or 801 263-1637)
 * E-mail: MN_Rochester@familyhistorymail.org

COVID Precautions Currently Include the Following Guidelines and Recommendations

 * Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need wear masks. Those who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask.
 * Social distancing is still encouraged whenever possible.
 * Good hygiene is requested as regular use of hand sanitizer or washing along with use of disinfecting keyboard, mouse and counter surfaces before and after use.
 * Group size is limited to 25 people or less at a given time.

Center Contacts and Hours

 * Location Map: Location Map


 * Address:  2300 Viola Heights Dr., Rochester, MN 55901


 * Enter through NORTHEAST doors and ring bell on wall if inner doors are locked.


 * OPEN HOURS :


 * Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
 * Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to Noon and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
 * Other by Appointment -- Leave a Message with Your Number on Phone Listed Above or Reply to the E-mail Above.


 * HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2021 - We are closed for the following:
 * Thanksgiving and Nativity Event: Closed the Week of Nov 22 and the Week of Dec 1


 * Christmas and New Years: Closed the Week of Dec 20 and the Week of Dec 27


 * Inclement Weather: Closed with Rochester Public Schools--If they are closed, we are closed, if they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.

Training & Education Videos

 * 'ROOTS TECH CONFERENCE -- ALL YEAR FREE ACCESS!!'


 * SOURCING BASICS
 * This video is targeted at the beginning genealogist or family historian.
 * It is likely also useful to individuals who need a refresher on the "What - Why - and How" of source citation.

Local Resources

 * Rochester Public Library Genealogy Collection
 * Olmsted County Genealogy Society
 * History Center of Olmsted County
 * Minnesota Genealogical Society
 * Minnesota Historical Society

Helpful LINKS

 * Genealogy Topics on YouTube
 * Genealogy BLOG (United States Only)
 * Ancestral Findings Podcast
 * Genealogy Gems Podcast by Lisa Louise Cooke
 * Genealogy Guys BLOG
 * Extreme Genes Podcast
 * Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter
 * Family Tree Magazine Podcast
 * Google Newspaper Archive (obits - death notices - historic articles)

Resources and Equipment

 * 7 computers -printer enabled
 * 2 microfilm readers
 * 1 microfiche reader
 * 1 microfilm printer

Staff Research Specialties

 * Ancestry.com: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 or by appointment
 * U.S. Before 1850: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 or by appointment
 * British Isles: by appointment
 * French: by appointment ask for Sharon
 * German: by appointment ask for Lynn
 * Norwegian or Swedish: by appointment ask for Andrea
 * Native American: by appointment ask for Valerie
 * Illinois Vital Records, ancestry.com: by appointment ask for Tiffany
 * Mennonite, Scotland, New Jersey: by appointment ask for Melissa

Upcoming Or Local Events
NorthStar Genealogy Conference -  October 1 & 2 2021

Volunteer at the Center
We are always looking for volunteers who can help:


 * Assist Others with Their Family History
 * Staff the Center
 * Teach Classes

Leave a message on our phone system if you are interested in volunteering.