Lisa Gorrell, CG, is leading the upcoming CGS research trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City this coming May. Here's what she has to say about it:
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| Lisa Gorrell |
Our upcoming trip next year to the Family History Library
will be from Sunday, May 24 to Sunday, May 30. These dates follow the dates of
the National Genealogical Society’s Conference. If you would like to attend the
conference, too, you will need to book your own hotel for those dates. Now,
you’re probably asking “Why would I want to go to the Family History Library?
Isn’t it all online now?” Yes, it is true that FamilySearch has been
digitizing their collected records and putting images online, but they are far
from putting it all online. Let’s talk about their collection:
Books. Many of the books in their collection may never be
digitized. Books that have been recently published are still under copyright
laws. Even if a book is digitized, only one person can view it at a time. Your
chances are greater viewing a physical copy at the library.
Microfilm. The plan is to digitize all of the microfilm.
They are having a hard time getting blank microfilm and it is very expensive.
Also, the microfilm machines are getting old and it’s difficult to find parts
to repair them. So digitizing the film is a win-win situation for the library.
However, some of the original repositories where the records were filmed the have
not given permission to publish the images online. Therefore, the only place
you can view some “digitized” films is on computers at the Library itself, or
perhaps at local Family History centers. This will also include microfiche.
Advantages.
So what is the real advantage of an in-person
trip to the Family History Library?
Six days where you didn’t have to do household chores
Six days of being with others who share your enthusiasm for genealogy research
Research assistance from the leader (me) or one of the experts at the library (especially at the foreign language floors)
How should you prepare for such a trip?
Decide which ancestral lines you want to work on
Record the localities where these families lived
Check the FHL catalog
for the records and books that
are available at the library for each locality. Some items may be available online, but if there is a
“key” symbol next to the film number, that film can only be viewed at the FHL
or at a Family History Center.
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| This symbol indicates records that may only be viewed in a library |
If you find lots of books and films you would like to
view, then it may be worthwhile to make the trip with CGS.
Consultation
You can schedule a pre-trip consultation with the leader,
Lisa Gorrell. You will also be able to have
consultations during the trip at the library.
We have fun, too! Of course, the trip isn’t just all serious
research. We have three planned joint meals together, and every day we get together
for lunch and dinner at a variety of places. It’s a great time to share our
successes and get help with our research issues.
To sign up for the trip, use this link at Eventbrite. There
are limited spaces, so be sure to register soon!
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