Tucson Arizona Family History Center

The Tucson Family History Center serves the Tucson area. Established in the 1980's, it houses a large collection of family histories and genealogy books donated by the Southern Arizona Genealogical Society and Pima County Library.

Center Contacts and Hours
Location &amp; Map:
 * 500 S. Langley Ave., Tucson, AZ 85710-4834 United States
 * The free standing building is located on the north east side of the Tucson East Stake Center parking lot, south of Palo Verde Park. There is ample parking and handicap accessibility.
 * Location Map

Phone: 520-298-0905

E-mail: [mailto:az_tucson@ldsmail.net az_tucson@ldsmail.net]

Facebook: Search "Tucson Family History Center" on Facebook to join our group to receive updates and information on Center events.

Open Hours:
 * Tuesday 10 am - 9 pm
 * Wednesday 10am - 2 pm
 * Thursday 10 am - 9 pm
 * Friday 10 am - 5 pm
 * Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
 * Closed: Sunday and Monday
 * Closed for General Conference - Saturday April 1, 2017 and Saturday October 7, 2017
 * Closed for Holidays - Tuesday July 4, 2017
 * Closed for Cleaning and Staff Vacations - July 25, 2017 through August 7, 2017, open again on August 8, 2017

Family History Fair 2017
Click here for the class schedule

Below are the class titles and, where available, class summaries and handouts (click on the blue word "handout" to go to the handout).

How to do Family History Research - This class will focus on the basic steps for doing family history/genealogical research (How to Do Research handout)(Research Log handout)(Research Log Fill-In handout)

Introduction to FamilySearch - This class will give you an overview for the sections of the FamilySearch.org website (handout)

FamilySearch: Searching Historical Records - Learn how to find digital copies from around the world on the FamilySearch.org website (handout)

FamilySearch: Using the Wiki - Come and learn how to find and use the FamilySearch Wiki-- The Best Kept Secret on the FamilySearch.org website (handout)

Adding Memories to FamilySearch Family Tree - Learn how to add photos, stories, documents and audio to the people on your tree. Make them more than a name and date on a chart (handout)

FamilySearch Family Tree Introduction, Set Up, and Self Help (handout)

Entering Information into FamilySearch Family Tree Using a Third-Party Program (handout)

Adding Sources and Memories to FamilySearch Family Tree (handout)

Merging Duplicate Records and Correcting Common Errors in FamilySearch Family Tree (handout)

Scandinavian Research (handout)

Will You or Won't You: Wills and Probate (handout)

Down and Dirty on Deeds (handout)

Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy (Beginner) - (handout)

Getting the Most out of Your DNA Results (Advanced) - (handout)

Tracing Your Italian Roots - (handout)

Secrets to Successful Ancestry.com Searches - Ancestry.com is the most popular website for genealogy research. However, the sheer amount of data can make searching for your ancestors seem daunting. This class will help you navigate the records more efficiently and offer suggestions for maximizing your online research experience. (handout)

Deciphering AncestryDNA - “There are two kinds of genealogists: those who are overwhelmed by their DNA results and those who haven't done DNA testing yet.” (Kerry Scott, "5 Tricks for Using Evernote in Your DNA Research," Genealogy Insider, 10 November 2015). The technology for using DNA in our genealogy is still in its infancy. Ancestry.com is experimenting with some unique tools that use both your genealogy (family tree) and your genetics. However, most people misunderstand what their DNA results convey. If used correctly, you can make some wonderful new discoveries for your family tree. This class will help you to determine what DNA Circles, New Ancestor Discoveries (NADs), and Shared Ancestor Hints can and cannot do for you. (handout)

Exploring Ancestry.com Member Trees - This class will teach you how to create and manage online family trees on Ancestry.com. We will look at features like the LifeStory feature, the enhanced Facts view, and tips for managing the shaky leaf hints. You will come away with a better understanding of how to use Ancestry’s powerful features to grow your family tree. (handout)

LDS Partner Access: Introduction and Comparison of Ancestry, MyHeritage, Find-My-Past, AmericanAncestors, and Geneanet - Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) are able to access many family history partner services (websites, databases, etc.) These partner services are available at no charge to the public at any LDS Family History Center so everyone is invited to attend this class. What are the differences between these various partner services? Why might accessing these services help in your research? What is the relationship between FamilySearch.org and these other services? We'll try to answer these and other questions you may have about these terrific resources. (how to register handout) (class handout)(RootsTech notes handout)

British Research - (handout)

Google: Beyond the Search Button - (handout)

Finding the Living - (handout)

Paper Trail of Death - (handout)

Immigration: They Came from Where? - (handout)

Naturalization - (handout)

Research in the Old German Empire (Parts I and II, this is a two-hour class) - A discussion of the basic tools and knowledge needed to preform research in the old pre-twentieth century German Empire. (handout)

Indexing and Handwriting Reading

From Data to DVD: Producing Your Family History Video - Whether you’re just curious about the process of producing a video or already have enthusiastic ideas, you’ll learn basics for collecting, capturing and organizing the many elements of your family history. You’ll get tips for interviewing, editing, and selecting the best images. If you feel ready to move ahead, please refer to suggestions on the handout and bring your questions, plans, photos, documents, or any memorabilia that you want incorporated into your project. (handout) (handout) (handout) (flyer)

Native American Research - Finding information on Native American ancestors is a challenging task. We'll go over some research resources and learn from each other. (handout)

African American Research

Where to Find Records for Your Jewish Ancestors - Genealogists researching their Jewish ancestors find many online databases to search. Some of these databases are specifically for Jewish research (ex. JewishGen, Yad Vashem, etc), and others are for all denominations (ex. Ancestry, Fold3, Family Search, Genealogy Bank,  etc). During this presentation we will look at some of these databases and how to search them step by step to find specifically Jewish ancestors. We will look at the ones already listed above plus many other online databases. (PowerPoint presentation here)

Spanish Speaking Countries Research

Fun Family History Discovery Activities for Children, Youth, and Families

Kid Genealogists: Inspiring the Next Generation - As a mother and genealogist, I am passionate about sharing family history with children. Not only does knowing family history strengthen children to face hardships with confidence, but it ensures that precious family information will be preserved for future generations. You will leave my class with practical tips and project ideas to incorporate family history into the everyday lives of the children you love. I'll share how grandparents and parents can teach children genealogy by doing hands on projects, discussing ancestors in the context of historical events, creating kid friendly books with storyboard software, acting out family history through pretend and role play, using multimedia for storytelling, and more. (handout)

NEW! - Visit The Family History Guide
Go to www.thefhguide.com for a free learning, resource, and training center for genealogy.

The Family History Guide Mission Statement: "Our mission is to greatly increase the number of people actively involved in family history worldwide, and to make everyone's family history journey easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable."

Here are some of the unique features you'll find on the site:
 * Over 1,200 Goals for learning, supported by over 2,300 flexible Choices
 * Step-by-step instructions to make learning easier
 * Links to over 2,400 videos and articles from FamilySearch, Ancestry, and more
 * QUIKLinks that take you to record searches from multiple sources, with a single click
 * A Vault full of additional resources not included in the learning goals
 * Project Tracker sheets and Training materials for self-study or group instruction
 * Family history resources for children and for LDS interests

Past events
Family History Fair 2016 - Click here for the list of courses and links to class handouts.

Family History Fair 2015 - Click here for the list of courses and links to class handouts.

Family History Fair 2014 - Click here for the list of courses and links to class handouts.

Family History Fair 2013 - Click here for the list of courses and links to class handouts.

Collections

 * The Cox Collection: This microfilm collection contains copies of US county histories published in newspapers in the 1875-1900 period, as well as city directories for major cities of the time.
 * Tucson FHC catalog Several thousand donated books, film and fiche as well as webinars are part of our holdings.This User guide explains how to search it.
 * 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. Websites available are:
 * 19th Century British Library Newspaper Digital Archive
 * Alexander Street Press (Civil War)
 * American Ancestors (New England Historic and Genealogical Society)
 * Ancestry.com
 * Create your "Who Do You Think You Are?" story for free
 * Find My Past (UK)
 * Fold3.com (military records)
 * Geneanet (NEW)
 * Historic Map Works
 * Kinpoint
 * MyHeritage / World Vital Records (all content has been added to MyHeritage.com)
 * Access Newspaper Archive
 * Paper Trail
 * ProQuest Obituary Listings
 * Puzzilla.org
 * ArkivDigital Online - Swedish church records
 * Scottish Records (DOS program version)

Periodicals and Magazines

 * Internet Genealogy
 * NGS quarterly
 * American Ancestors (NEHGS online magazine)

Computer Software Programs and Resources
We have deluxe versions of the following genealogy management software for you to "test drive."


 * Ancestral Quest 12
 * Legacy 8
 * Roots Magic 6 and 7 (software programs that interact with Family Search and My Heritage)

Additional computer resources include:
 * Genealogy Bank
 * Family Tree Maker disks (some--check catalog)
 * Some Pedigree Resource File disks
 * PAF 4 and PAF 5
 * Genelines Universal Edition
 * Generation Maps Consultation Software
 * Charting Companion for FamilySearch
 * Map My Family Tree
 * MagiKey Family Tree

Family Search Compatible and Verified Programs
 * Many interesting and helpful programs that tie to information in Family Search can be found at FamilySearch.org/apps

Hardware and Equipment

 * 10 patron use computers
 * microfilm digital copier
 * scan pictures directly to FamilySearch (NEW)
 * flatbed scanner

Individual Consulting

 * Center staff are available for personal consulting with no appointment needed and at no cost

Staff Research Specialties

 * British Isles: Saturday, 10am - 2pm
 * US: Thursday, 10am - 2pm
 * Other specialty times and languages available; send your request to az_tucson@ldsmail.net

Presentations

 * Center staff are available for presentations to community and religious groups. Please send an email to the address above with your request.  There is no charge for such presentations.

Volunteer at the Center

 * Community volunteers with an interest in family history, a desire to serve others, and are willing to commit to a weekly or bi-weekly shift for at least one to two years are invited to join our staff. Training will be provided.  More information can be found on the justserve.org website.  Contact the Director through our email above for specific opportunities that fit your schedule.