GODFREY MEMORIAL LIBRARY

FAMILY HISTORY CENTER






WHAT IS THE FAMILY HISTORY CENTER?

Godfrey Library is a licensed affiliate of the Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Such affiliates are called Family History Centers (FHC). The FHL makes its enormous collection of digitized genealogical records available for free on its FamilySearch website. As an affiliate, we have access to most of the image collections currently online. Many images that are restricted when using the FamilySearch website from home are available for viewing at the library.

HOW TO SEARCH FOR RECORDS

The FHL catalog can be accessed while on site at the library or from home. Go to the familysearch.org website. Click on the Search tab, then the Catalog tab to open the online search form. There are various choices for searching the catalog. The most frequently used search fields are for Place and Surname. Complete the online form and click Search to view the results.

In the search results, there is a format column on the right side of the computer screen. Look for a camera icon or a camera icon with a key. These icons mean the item is digitized and online. The camera icon alone means the item is availble for viewing at the library or from home. The camera icon with a key means there are some restrictions on viewing, yet the item is most likely viewable while on site at our library (but not from home). If the camera icon is missing, the item is not available online.

If you run into any difficulties, our staff can provide help in navigating and researching the catalog, records, and books available on the FamilySearch website.

NOTE: The FHL requires that you create a FREE account to view their records.

DIGITAL RECORDS REPLACING MICROFILM

Starting September 7, 2017, patrons can no longer request microfilms from FamilySearch for viewing at the library. The FHL made the decision to discontinue microfilm rentals so that it can focus resources on digitizing and publishing online its remaining inventory of microfilms. According to the FHL, all of the microfilms rented by patrons during the past five years have been digitized and the images are now online. The remaining microfilms are being digitally scanned at a rate of 1,000 films per day and are projected to be complete by 2020.

NOTE: Films currently on loan at our Family History Center have been granted extended loan status and patrons are welcome to continue viewing them. We have microfilm/fiche readers/printers available for your use.

WHEN IS THE CENTER OPEN?

The Center's hours of operation are the same as the Godfrey Library's. Please keep in mind that there may be times when the library's regular hours are interrupted. If you are traveling any distance, please call to make sure that the library will be open and that someone will be available to help you. You can also check the Events page.

HELPFUL TIPS

• If patrons need access to a particular film yet to be digitized, they can ask to have it added to the priority digitization list by contacting FamilySearch Support (Toll Free: 1-866-406-1830)
• Visitors to the FHL in Salt Lake City can still order needed microfilms to use during their research visits there.




134 Newfield Street (Route 3), Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 346-4375       Email refdesk@godfrey.org
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