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 W. 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

2018 Holiday Schedule- Closed:

Feb 19 Presidents Day Mar 31 General Conference May 28 Memorial Day Jul 4 Independence Day Sep 3 Labor Day Oct 6 General Conference Nov 22 Thanksgiving Day Closed from 5-9pm on Nov 21st Dec 21-31 Christmas Week (by appointment only-661-803-3469)

Santa Clarita Valley Family History Fair
Great Annual Event

Saturday, March TBA, 2020 - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Family History Center Class Schedule for 2019
'''Classes are free and open 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 seminars and events, click here '''

January 3, 2019
Class topic: "Search all the Jurisdictions and find More Records"

Description: Are your ancestors M.I.A.? One of the most likely explanations is some kind of a change in the political, ecclesiastical or other jurisdictions in which they lived. Ancestors may be in the same house, yet in a different jurisdiction due to the formation of a new county, state or territory, boundary alignments such as the division or merging of counties, the building of a closer church, etc. Many such changes have occurred from 1620-2018. Boundaries have been altered due to wars, treaties, political pressure, floods and more. Other geographical challenges include: defunct counties & confusion due to place name changes over time. Discussion will include examples of the changes that have occurred & online resources for tracking jurisdictions. These include: historical gazetteers, atlases, animated boundary maps & county histories. Key repositories will be highlighted, such as state and local archives & libraries. There are many more records to be found!.

(Presenter: Laurie Werner Castillo. Class level: Intermediate)

January 17, 2019
Class topic: "Online Genealogy for Beginners and Beyond"

Description: When you’re new to family history, the prospect of diving into the research process can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the countless number of online databases and other websites related to roots research. Even if you have been researching for many years, there is always something new to learn! This session will walk beginners through the exciting journey of genealogy, and provide experienced researchers with tips to review what they have found and solve brick wall problems.

(Presenter: Lisa A. Alzo. Class level: Beginners and Intermediate)

February 7, 2019
Class topic: "Hidden Treasures in the Library of Congress"

Description: With the Library of Congress being the largest library in the world, it has many online resources that can benefit people researching their families. During this session, participants will be taught about the 51 million online resources from the Library of Congress which includes a lot more than just books, such as photographs, sound recordings, oral history narratives, newspaper articles, etc. The session will cover library/archival searching techniques that can be used to navigate the Library's website and locate treasures about your family that have been hidden within the collections at the Library of Congress.

(Presenter: Byron Holdiman. Class level: Intermediate)

February 21, 2019
Class topic: "Finding Elusive Records at FamilySearch"

Description: You’ve resolved hints and done some searching, but you’ve probably only accessed a small portion of the records available at FamilySearch. By walking, step by step, through genealogical examples, Robert Kehrer will demonstrate skills and techniques used by the experts and will expose hidden record identification tools and features of the FamilySearch website. Join us to take your skills in documenting ancestors to the next level. level.

(Presenter: Robert Kehrer. Class level: Intermediate)

March 7, 2019
Class topic: "Civil Registration Indexes of England and Wales"

Description: These indexes are widely available, and used by everyone researching English and Welsh ancestors from 1837 onwards. The story behind them is fascinating, and knowing how the indexes were made helps us use them more effectively. From entries in register books to the parchment, paper, microfiche and online indexes, we examine the processes used, and the introduction of new technologies as they became available - from carbon paper to computers. There are local as well as national indexes, and recent innovations at the General Register Office have opened up some new possibilities for researchers, with some completely new indexes not available anywhere else. Further developments are proposed.

(Presenter: Audrey Collins. Class level: Intermediate)

March 21, 2019
Class topic: "Advancing Your Genealogy Research with DNA"

Description: You’ve scoured the census, dug through probates, and even visited the county courthouse. What’s left? DNA. It’s the oldest record of your family, and technology and science are coming up with more ways for you to use it. Come and learn what new tools AncestryDNA has to advance your research and get more out of your DNA results.

(Presenter: Anna Swayne. Class level: Intermediate)

April 4, 2019
Class topic: "RootsTech 2019 Keynote Address with the CEO of FamilySearch International"

Description: This Keynote address will explore the connections that come through genealogy and you will learn how family history can change peoples lives, about the new International African American Museum and how it can help heal families across the world. An uplifting, inspiring and informative keynote address not to be missed.

(Presenter: Steve Rockwood, Class level: All)

April 18, 2019
Class topic: Double Feature-"What's New on FamilySearch and What's Coming? and "The Way Back Machine"

Description: This presentation will review the latest features and capabilities released in FamilySearch, their value and why the changes were made. It will also discuss the future features that are being considered, prototyped, and developed so you know where we are going. Second Feature: “The Way Back Machine” Learn how this amazing tool can help you with your family history!

(Presenters: Ron Tanner and Nicky Smith, Class level: All)

May 2, 2019
Class topic: "Ask A Scientist from AncestryDNA"

Description: How can DNA tell you how Irish you really are and why you have so many cousin matches? Arming yourself with a firmer grasp of the underlying science behind ethnicity estimation, DNA matching, and other tools will allow you to use them more effectively. Join a member of our science team to get personal with your DNA results.

(Presenter: Berry Starr, Class level: Intermediate)

May 16, 2019
Class topic: "Making Memories of You"

Description: Family History is about family and about the past, but it is also about you! What memories are you leaving behind for those you love? In this class we’ll talk about how to leave pieces of what matters most to you. From recording your voice, to photos that matter, a simple life lesson, or a brief video, you can do it! We’ll also talk about where to store these memories so you won’t lose them.

(Presenter::Devin Ashby, Class level: All)

June 6, 2019
Class topic: "Descendancy Research: Another Pathway to Genealogy"

Description: Breaking through the challenges of brick walls in genealogy has never been more rewarding. Genealogists are often taught the way to doing research is to search backwards through generations; going back as far as one can. This lecture assumes a new focus on doing genealogical research on tracing all the descendants of an ancestral couple to present. This class examines the methodology and techniques to find living relations who may hold the key to your family history research. Focus is given to provide actual case studies of doing this kind of research.

(Presenter: Michael L. Strauss, AG, Class level: Beginner)

June 20, 2019
Class topic: "Census Sense: Clues & Conundrums for Intermediate Researchers"

Description: This presentation makes census understanding fun! Federal census headings and codes, alternate federal censuses, state censuses are emphasized as key in our research. The partnership between the national census website and data available from state censuses is demonstrated in story form. Research timelines paired with census results are also demonstrated.

(Presenter: Patti Gillespie, Class level: Intermediate)

July 4, 2019
No Class do to the Independence day holiday

July 18, 2019
Class topic: "Exploring Your Family History in New Ways with Ancestry-ProGenealogists"

Description: When It’s Time to Hire a Pro - Heidi Mecham, Learning & Development Specialist, AncestryProGenealogists

When does it make sense to hire a professional genealogist to break through your brick walls and reach your family history goals? Are you limited by time, skills, or resources? This class provides guidance on this decision.

Beautiful Ways to Showcase Your Family History - Erika Manternach, Senior Writer, AncestryProGenealogists

Have you ever tried to share your research by gathering your family around your computer? If so, you know it can be dry and uninspiring. Get suggestions that will help you share your ancestors' stories in ways that will grab attention.

Walking In The Footsteps of your Ancestors - Kyle Betit, Travel Program Operations Manager & Senior Genealogist, AncestryProGenealogists

Explore your genealogy and uncover your family story by traveling to where it all began. Learn how to plan a heritage trip of your own with an ancestral travel expert who will share tips and experiences from trips around the world.

(Presenters: Heidi Mecham, Erika Manternach, Kyle Betit.  Class level: Beginner)

August 1, 2019
Class topic: "Family Tree: The ins and outs of the Family Tree timeline"

Description: Where were they when? FamilySearch has released a new Timeline feature that brings together many of the dates and places each of our ancestors experienced. This session will review the new timeline interface. Discussion will include the timeline, map and other fun news ways to explore your ancestors through FamilySearch.

(Presenter: Bruce Roper, Class level: All )

August 15, 2019
Class topic: "FamilySearch Mobile Apps: Your Family History, Anytime, Anywhere"

Description: At the touch of a finger, you can access nearly everyone you know. Did you know that includes your ancestors? In this class, you will learn how to use the FamilySearch mobile apps to experience family history in a new way. Find out how to easily complete simple family history tasks while waiting for an oil change or for dinner to cook.

(Presenter: Todd Powell, Class level: All)

September 5, 2019
Class topic: "Connecting Your DNA Matches"

Description: There is so much information in your DNA match list, just waiting to be discovered. You need to start with a solid understanding of the Shared Matches tool, and then move on to applying the shared amount of DNA into your analysis. In the end, you will be gathering a small subset of your matches to work with in order to address your genealogical questions.

We call these groups genetic networks. Genetic networks are very powerful tools to help you make genealogical discoveries. We will learn how to create, and then employ these networks to boost your confidence in your genetic genealogy skills, and break down brick walls.

(Presenter: Diahan Southard, Class level: All)

September 19, 2019
Class topic: "Getting the most out of billions of records on MyHeritage SuperSearch"

Description: With billions of historical records and a huge community of users from all over the world MyHeritage is an incredible genealogical trove that can help you discover, preserve, and share your family history. One of the best ways to maximize MyHeritage is to host your tree at MyHeritage where our systems will automagically help you find new records, fill gaps in your existing tree, and provide matches that can help you efficiently discover new ancestors and family members. In this class you will learn, first, how to move your tree from online tree systems such as the FamilySearch Family Tree to MyHeritage. Next, how MyHeritage works with your tree to find new and additional information that you can easily evaluate and add to your tree. Finally, how DNA matches give you additional capabilities in finding distant cousins, your shared common ancestors, and descendants of these common ancestors that you may have lost track of or never had time to research.

(Presenter: Mike Mansfield-MyHeritage, Class level: All)

October 3, 2019[edit source]
Class topic: "Trace the Story of Immigrant Ancestors in 3 Steps"

Description: Searching for your immigrant ancestors? Explore three key steps to unlocking the story of your immigrant ancestors with the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society. An interactive discussion of key U.S. records for immigration kicks off this power hour followed by a session outlining customs and passenger lists and a session devoted to exploring naturalization records and the pathways of immigrants after their arrival, ending with a question and answer period. This class will address immigrants to various ports from the colonial period up to the 1950s.

(Presenters: Susan Miller, D. Joshua Taylor, and Frederick Wertz, Class level: Beginnerl)

October 17, 2019[edit source]
Class topic: "What you Don't Know about Ancestry"

Description: Ancestry has some cool new tools to help improve and accelerate your family history research. They have also added millions of new records in the past year..Crista Cowan will preview the new tools and highlight some of the new content (with tips for how best to search it to make new family history discoveries)

(Presenter: Crista Cowan, Class level: All)

November 7, 2019[edit source]
Class topic: "Leading with Science at 23 and Me"

Description: 23andMe customers who participate in research are helping to advance scientific knowledge in revolutionary new ways. Each discovery helps pave the way for advances in medicine. Since 2010, 23andMe has published over 110 papers in peer-reviewed journals. In this session, we'll walk through how research works at 23andMe and how you can contribute to scientific discoveries

(Presenter: Sarah Lashkey, Class level: Intermediate)

November 21, 2019[edit source]
Class topic: "Uncovering Family Stories with British and Irish Historic Newspapers"

Description: Read all about it! Findmypast has digitized and hosts tens of millions of pages of local and national historic newspapers, covering 300 years of history from every county in Britain and Ireland. With so much to explore, where do you even begin? Get the full scoop with Findmypast's British Family Historian Myko Clelland as we discover how to make the most of the stories contained within this huge resource. We'll be learning tips, techniques and tricks that can help you search like an expert, get the best out of your research and reveal more about your ancestors than official documents can ever tell!

(Presenter: Myko Clelland, Class level: All)

December 5, 2019[edit source]
Class topic: "The Silent Language of the Stones: Reading Gravestones Through Symbols and Carvings"

Description: Symbols and icons have been used on tombstones for centuries, but it was not until the mid-1800s that this secret language on the stones became popular. Victorians began to decorate graves with carvings, symbols and statues - all the while, telling a story about the deceased including family relationships, religious affiliations, military service, occupations, and society memberships. Even sharing how someone had died - all by utilizing this beautiful yet silent language.

(Presenter: Joy Neighbors, Class level: All)

December 19, 2019[edit source]
Class topic: "Hear them sing! Social History & Family Narrative"

Description: Not all of our family members are as interested in the family stories and research we find as genealogists are. But with the addition of social history to our family narratives, our ancestors' song of life can be heard much more clearly. In this hour we will discuss how to contextualize our ancestors' lives with social history research and use it to inspire others to want to know more about those who have passed. We will discuss research tips, writing, and the use of photographs and newspapers in our stories

(Presenter: Rebecca Whitman Koford, Class level: Intermediate)

Free commercial websites at the Valencia California Family History Center
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 as follows:

The 19th Century British Library Newspapers digital archive
This fully searchable database of the British Library's newspaper holdings provides a complete run of 48 national and regional Victorian British newspapers for the 19th century from 1800 to 1900. These support the study of colonial history, genealogical research, politics, urban studies, and media courses.

Alexander Street Press, American Civil War

 * Research Data: Contains indexed, searchable information on over 4 million soldiers and thousands of battles, together with 15,000 photographs.


 * Letters and Diaries: Contains approximately 100,000 indexed pages of diaries, letters, and memoirs, including 4,000 pages of previously unpublished manuscripts, such as the letters of Amos Wood and his wife and the diary of Maryland planter William Claytor


 * Images, Photographs, Posters, and Ephemera: Provides a vivid history of the American Civil War with over 1,400 images.


 * Social and Cultural History: Personal accounts of well-known historical figures.


 * Women and Social Movements in the United States: Organized around the history of women in social movements in the United States between 1600 and 2000 A.D.

American Ancestors
Advance your family history research today with AmericanAncestors.org! Created by the expert staff at New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), America's founding genealogical organization, AmericanAncestors.org is the portal to the nation's leading resource for the highest-quality comprehensive family history services. Consult with our expert staff, some of the most respected genealogists in the profession. Read the most significant original scholarship and important publications in genealogy. Access millions of exclusive and sought-after records online. Learn with in-depth online courses and webinars from expert staff. Explore the largest collection of original family history research materials in America.

Ancestry.com
Ancestry gives you access to thousands of collections of records from around the world, including immigration, census, voter, vital, and military records; newspapers and periodicals; family trees; photos and images; directories, maps, court, land, wills and financial records, stories, memories, and histories; and detailed records about births, marriages, deaths, land ownership, and much more. It is the largest for-profit genealogy company in the world.

ArkivDigital Online
ArkivDigital is the largest private provider of Swedish Church Records and other historical records online! All images are newly photographed color images of the original documents. Click the link from the Premium Family History Websites page to install the current client version of ArkivDigital Online.

findmypast
findmypast makes it easy to research your UK ancestry and create your family tree. Search census records and trace births, marriages, and deaths to bring your family history to life. Please note that not all of the content from findmypast is available in family history centers. 1911 British Census (accessed through the findmypast website)—The 1911 UK Census is a record of everyone who lived in England and Wales in 1911. It provides a unique snapshot of the lives of those who lived at that time.

Fold3
(formerly Footnote.com)  Search or browse millions of historical documents and photos. Fold3 has refocused their efforts on gathering the best online collection of military records and stories. The Fold3 name reflects military history and honor, since traditionally, the third fold in a flag-folding ceremony honors and remembers veterans for their sacrifice in defending their country and promoting peace in the world.

Geneanet
With 3 billion referenced individuals and 600,000 trees online, Geneanet is the first site dedicated to genealogy in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany. The Geneanet community has two million members who exchange genealogical information.

Kinpoint Premium
Kinpoint is designed to make it easier for you to do your family history by letting you see what to work on at a glance; quickly find missing information in your family tree; and discover insights into the lives of your ancestors.

MyHeritage—Library Edition
Used by millions of people worldwide to help research family history, build a family tree, and add photos, historical records, and more. MyHeritage is an online genealogy platform with web, mobile, and software products and services that was first developed and popularized by the Israeli company MyHeritage in 2003. Users of the platform can browse through photos, and search billions of global historical records, among other features. As of 2015, the service supports 42 languages and has around 80 million users worldwide. In January 2017 it was reported that MyHeritage has 35 million family trees on its website. The company is headquartered in Or Yehuda, Israel with additional offices in Tel Aviv, Lehi, Utah, and Burbank, California.

Newspapers.com
"Newspapers.com is the world's largest online newspaper archive. Featuring billions of articles from historical newspapers around the U.S. and the world, NewspaperARCHIVE makes exploring history and genealogy easy and fun. Discover fascinating news in archived newspapers hundreds of years old—including obituaries, birth announcements, sports articles, comics, and more—to fill in the life stories you are interested in. And share those stories with others through our community at Our NewspaperARCHIVE. All of our historical newspapers are full-page and fully searchable. Try exploring above, and discover your history today!"

Paper Trail
Provides access to 19th-century westward American migration documents.

Puzzilla (Premium Version)
Find new research opportunities on descendant lines in Family Tree.

Hardware and Equipment

 * Our Family History Center is equipped with:
 * Nine (9) large screen personal computers for your family history use. Four (4) laptop personal computer
 * One (1) copier, printer (laser) and scanner that can scan to your FamilySearch account or personal flash drive.
 * Two (2) laser printers (10 cents per page)
 * Two (2) Microfilm viewers (35 and 16 mm)
 * One (1) Microfiche viewer
 * One (1) camera to take pictures of microfilm images you find
 * Ability to convert your audio cassettes to digital for uploading to FamilySearch
 * Collection of family history books and publication

Children's Center
You can bring your children to the center while you get help with your family history. We have a children's section where children 3-11 years of age can learn about their ancestors with books, games, stories, 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
If you would like to volunteer at our Family History Center, send an e-mail to ValenciaFHC@outlook.com and we will contact you.