Valencia California Family History Center

Interested in your genealogy? Are you seeking information about your roots? Want to know who you came from? Have you wondered who your great-great-great grandfather was? You can start or continue your family search without charge at the Valencia Family History Center. Established in 1978, it is open to the public 45 hours each week. The all-volunteer staff of research experts assist interested patrons, who have made more than 2,200 visits to the Center each year. In addition to providing personal assistance, the center’s equipment include computers with free access to premium websites, microfilm and microfiche readers with access to more than 2 million rolls of microfilm, printers, scanners, and a book library. For 24-hour recorded information or to speak with someone at the Center, call 661-259-1347.

Center Contacts and Hours
Location Map:


 * Location Map

Address:


 * 24443 McBean Pkwy Valencia California 91355 United States


 * Language:English

Phone:


 * 1-661-259-1347

E-Mail:


 * ValenciaFHC@outlook.com or CA_Valencia@ldsmail.net

Open Hours:


 * Mon: 9:00am-5:00pm
 * Tue: 9:00am-5:00pm; 6:00pm-9:00pm
 * Wed: 9:00am-5:00pm; 6:00pm-9:00pm
 * Thu: 9:00am-5:00pm; 6:00pm-9:00pm
 * Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm

2016 Holiday Schedule- Closed:

Feb 15 Presidents Day Apr 2 General Conference May 30 Memorial Day Jul 4 Independence Day Sep 5 Labor Day Oct 1 General Conference Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day Dec 24-31 Christmas Week

Mark Your Calendars... Santa Clarita Valley Family History and Technology Fair
Saturday, February 25, 2017 - 8:30am to 4:00pm

After January 2017, Click here to pre-register: SCVFamHistFair.com

Family History Center Seminar Schedule for 2016
'''Seminars are free to the general public. All dates shown are on Thursday - Instruction from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. To be added to our email list and be notified of upcoming seminar's and events, click here '''

== June 16, 2016 ==

Seminar: "A Digital Treasure: PERSI and your Family History"
Description: PERSI is a subject index of genealogy, family history and history related articles available in small publications, typically produced by genealogy and family history societies around the world. Josh Taylor explains the features of PERSI and its applications to Family History. (Video Presenter: D. Joshua Taylor. Class Level: All)

July 7, 2016
Seminar: "Indexing: Pay It Forward"

Description::Get ready for the Worldwide Indexing event on July 15-17! Indexing makes records searchable online and fuels the "Record Hints" in Family Tree on FamilySearch. Learn how you can "Pay it Forward" by becoming an indexer at FamilySearch.org. (Live presenter: Linda Tippets. Class level: Beginner)

July 21, 2016
Seminar: "My Ancestors are From Britain, What do I do Next?"

Description: An estimated 72 million Americans have British roots, but we're much more than a Royal Family! Discover the many different kinds of records of the British Isles available to a genealogical researcher, how they differ from records found in the United States whilst learning what to be aware of when studying them. From the moment your ancestors arrived in the United States back to the medieval era, explore local traditions, historic events & the records you can use to connect the pieces that reveal your British heritage, even if you only know their name and national origin. Examples will be given of passenger lists, wills, court records, censuses and substitutes, church records, government registers, local historic newspapers, occupational rolls, institutional and military records throughout that show not only how to use and understand these documents but the historical context behind their existence & how to use them when uncovering the stories that reveal our ancestors' lives. (Video presenter: Myko Clelland. Class level: Beginner)

August 4, 2016
Seminar: "Getting Started in Genetic Genealogy"

Description: It is all the rage, this DNA testing for genealogy. But what can it tell you? Even more importantly, what CAN’T it tell you? Learn the basics of DNA testing and walk away with confidence in this area of research. (Video presenter: Diahan Southard. Class level: All)

August 18, 2016
Seminar: "Cemetery Crowdsourcing"

Description: Cemeteries are often an invaluable resource for a genealogist: they provide information that might not exist elsewhere and offer family researchers an opportunity to stumble upon new ancestors - sometimes quite literally! The important records found in cemeteries and cemetery offices have never been more readily available than they are at present and, with many community and crowdsourcing movements underway, the number of available records are growing exponentially every day, regardless of where you might live in proximity to them. The advent of the digital age has completely redefined what is possible in terms of genealogical research using cemeteries and cemetery records. Learn how to contribute to these invaluable collections - and learn how to use the most popular graveyard/cemetery websites. We'll explore BillionGraves, FindAGrave, mobile apps, programs and strategies to further your own family history via cemetery research. (Video presenter: Michael Cassara. Class level: All)

September 1, 2016
Seminar: "Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch.org"

Description: What do you do if your ancestor's records doesn't come up in your initial search? A significant portion of the records on FamilySearch are not indexed and can't be searched using the form. For a number of historical, technical or genealogical reasons, an ancestor's record may be challenging to find. This session will walk through some of the common difficulties confronted by researchers and demonstrate how to use the FamilySearch systems to find that elusive record. (Video presenter: Robert Kehrer. Class level: All)

September 15, 2016
Seminar: "Photos - Emerging Technologies in Photography for Family History"

Description: Technology is moving at a rapid pace. Photography is evolving at a high speed. Let us slow down to observe the changes that has taken place recently and take a look at what the future has to offer. (Video presenter: Jens Nielsen. Class level: All)

October 6, 2016
Seminar: "Family History in a Digital Future"

Description: As we shift toward an increasingly digital world, relics from the past, like photo albums and vintage videos are at risk of disappearing. We are at a pivotal point where bridging our tangible past to our pixelated present is still possible, but it's our responsibility to act now. You'll learn how to preserve the memories stored in family photo albums, letters, scrapbooks, videos and more as a means to enrich your family legacy, using online technology and resources. Don't risk leaving future generations without all the memories that make up where they came from. (Video presenter: Sharleen Reyes. Class level: All)

Databases and Software☁

 * FHC Portal: This center has access to the Family History Center Portal page which gives free access in the center to premium family history software and websites that generally charge for subscriptions.

Hardware and Equipment

 * (Include the resources you have to help individuals do their research - computers, microfilm readers, printers, etc. )

Staff Research Specialties
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Resources in the Local Area
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Links
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Volunteer at the Center
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