Layton Utah FamilySearch Center/About Us

About Us
The new Layton FamilySearch Center, located at 915 West Gordon Avenue, in Layton, Utah is an immersive experience for the entire family to discover their story, exploring and sharing family memories as they expand the branches of their family tree.



Basic facts:


 * This state-of-the-art FamilySearch Center, with 13,979 square feet, is uniquely designed with casual seating and collaboration areas, making it easy for families and youth groups to work together on laptops, iPads or other mobile devices. The center also has 142 computers, 63 of them with touch-screen monitors.
 * The center is open to the public with resources available at no charge (a small fee is required for printing and making photocopies). The center is staffed with helpful, friendly staff members offering free assistance to patrons. Visit the center's website for more information: familysearch.org/fhc/layton.
 * Your visit will be as unique as you are. Learn about the meaning of your name, what happened the year your were born, and other fun facts. See where your family came from, view photos of family members and read their stories, all on nine 55" touch screen monitors. Data used for the interactive experiences is drawn from FamilySearch.org and selected partners.
 * Your family members of all ages will love exploring the Green Room Photo Studio, Family Room and Children's Area. Multiple generations can come and use family recording rooms to create free high-definition audio and video recordings, preserving treasured family memories. Photo and slide scanning equipment is available for patron use free of charge, along with the ability to convert VHS to DVD recordings.
 * Center hours are Monday and Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
 * Planning for the Layton FamilySearch Center has been years in the development. The Church purchased the property from Weber State University in December 2011. Construction for the new FamilySearch Center began in January 2016 and was completed in August 2016. The modern design artfully represents historical aspects of Layton and its residents.
 * Four smaller family history centers in Kaysville, Clearfield, and the Layton area have been closed. Patrons will enjoy extended hours at the new facility, which will serve residents throughout Northern Davis County. The new center is supported by thirty-eight local ecclesiastical stakes.
 * Patrons can learn how they are related to famous people. Did their ancestors sail on the Mayflower? Do they descend from famous Americans, such as the Founding Fathers or U.S. Presidents? Are they related to Church leaders?
 * Free classes are offered on a daily basis. The center has three classrooms with computer labs designed for hands-on training. for class schedules and registration information visit the center's Wiki-Page. Free access to popular premium subscription sites, such as Ancestry.com, Findmypast, My Heritage, and American Ancestors is also available.
 * It is recommended that prior to visiting, a free FamilySearch account is set up by visiting FamilySearch.org and establishing a family tree. By adding photos and stories prior to coming, your visit to the new facility will be greatly enhanced.
 * Groups visiting the center should book a reservation online to ensure that space is available.
 * Boy Scout Merit Badge workshops are offered, where scouts can complete requirements for their Genealogy merit badge and have fun learning about their family.
 * Directors, Douglas and Carol Richins, serve under the direction of Elder Steven M. Peterson of the Seventy. Elder Richins is a former Bishop and Stake President. (ecclesiastical leader). He worked as the director of Purchasing and General Services for the State of Utah and recently retired as the CEO of NASPO ValuePoint, a national purchasing cooperative for state local governments and educational institutions. Sister Richins has served in various assignments in the Church and has taught secondary education. They are the parents of three daughters and four grandchildren.

ABOUT FAMILYSEARCH: FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services each year to learn more about their family history. FamilySearch offers more than 4 billion free online records at FamlySearch.org and provides personal assistance at nearly 5,000 family history centers worldwide, operating in 132 countries. FamilySearch is a non-profit family history organization dedicated to connecting families across generations.

Press Articles:


 * Deseret News: 3 Nov. 2016 - http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865666328/New-FamilySearch-Center-dedicated-as-a-gathering-place-for-living-and-dead.html?pg=all
 * good4utah.com: 3 Nov. 2016 - http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/free-familysearch-center-opens-to-public-in-layton