Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center: Difference between revisions
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*[http://www.bataviapubliclibrary.org/ Batavia Public Library] | *[http://www.bataviapubliclibrary.org/ Batavia Public Library] | ||
*[https://dglibrary.org/genealogy-services/ Downers Grove Public Library] | *[https://dglibrary.org/genealogy-services/ Downers Grove Public Library] | ||
*[https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/ Elmhurst Public Library] | *[https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/247-e-library/research-reference/biography-genealogy/#genealogy/ Elmhurst Public Library] | ||
*[http://www.fountaindale.org/ Fountaindale Public Library (Bolingbrook)] | *[http://www.fountaindale.org/ Fountaindale Public Library (Bolingbrook)] | ||
*[https://gepl.org/ Glen Ellyn Public Library] | *[https://gepl.org/ Glen Ellyn Public Library] | ||
Revision as of 14:12, 15 April 2024
Discover - Gather - Connect
The Naperville FamilySearch Center has MOVED! We are in the SAME BUILDING but in a different room.
The new entrance is on the East side of the building rather than in the back. There are signs.
We will be in a classroom temporarily, then move to our final location around the end of May.
During this time, we will still maintain the same hours and still have the same help available.
However, we will have NO ACCESS TO PHYSICAL MICROFILMS or books until after May 2024 (see "Microfilm, Books and other materials.").
Please come visit us as normal. Feel free to call with any questions.
- WALK-INS are welcome and will be accepted depending upon capacity at that time.
- APPOINTMENTS are preferred if you need help from a specific volunteer. Please see the section "Hours and Appointments."
- We can also offer assistance via email or by phone; please see the section "Things to Know Before Arriving."
Because of changing weather, please call ahead to make sure we are open; we will not be open during HEAVY SNOW or ICY conditions or any other SEVERE weather.
We look forward to seeing you!
ABOUT US
Who We Are
We are a FamilySearch Center located in Naperville IL, which is a branch of the FamilySearch Library. Our mission is to help patrons begin or continue their family genealogy. We are staffed totally by volunteers and open to the public free of charge.
Stake Temple and FamilySearch Center Directors:
Jim and Pam Van Alstin
Assistant Director:
Sherry Falbo
Where We Are
We are located at 1320 Ridgeland Ave., Naperville, IL 60563
- The Center is located in a church building just north of the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Naper Blvd, immediately north of the McDonald's.
- In the parking lot, as you face the building, the Center's ENTRANCE is on the far left (east) side of the building (follow the signs).
- Location Map
How to Contact Us
- Phone: 630-505-0233 (English only)
- Email: il_naperville@familyhistorymail.org
- Facebook: Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center
- Website/Wiki page address: Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center
- JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST. If you would like to be informed of FSC updates, please send us an email request. We do not share or sell your information. You will get a notification that you have been added to our Google Group email list. You will receive emails about our Center (closing due to weather, holidays, etc.;) any new information about us (change in hours or procedures; added records or microfilm, etc.) and occasional information about classes or webinars.
WHEN TO VISIT US
Hours and Appointments
Appointments are preferred if you need help regarding a research specialty; however, walk-ins are welcome and will be accepted on an individual basis depending on capacity at the time of your visit.
- For availability or to make an appointment, call 630-505-0233 or send an email to il_naperville@familyhistorymail.org. Please include your name and contact phone number.
Operating hours are:
- Sunday and Monday closed
- Tuesday......12-3pm and 3-6pm
- Wednesday.....3-6pm and 6-9pm (Spanish available)
- Thursday.....12-3pm and 3-6pm
- Friday.......10am-1pm and 1-4pm
- Saturday......9am-1pm
2024 Closures:
- Sat 6 April.
- Thur 4 July
- Sat 5 Oct
- Thanksgiving: Tue 26 Nov through Sat 30 Nov; reopen on Tue 3 Dec.
- Christmas: TBD.
Things to Know Before Arriving
PLEASE BRING A USB FLASH DRIVE to save any documents you might be able to download.
If you already have a FamilySearch account, please be sure to bring your USER NAME and PASSWORD. You will need it (and for any other accounts you may have, i.e. Ancestry, MyHeritage, etc.)
- No food or beverages. However, you may bring your own bottled water.
- No children please.
- Because of changing weather, please call ahead to make sure we are open; we will not be open during HEAVY SNOW or ICY conditions or any other SEVERE weather.
COVID
- A face mask is not required as of May 11, 2023. Please be considerate of those who wish to continue wearing a mask.
- This may change in accordance with local or federal government guidelines.
Remote Assistance
- We are NOT a research service, but we can offer some assistance via email or by phone.
- Please call or send an email and include your name and a contact phone number. Provide as much information as possible, names, dates, places; include the film and image number, if you know it, and any other details.
- Also see the panel below: "Other Ways to View Records."
Staff Research Specialties
Are you a beginner? Any of our staff can help you learn to do your own research. But we also have some volunteers who can help with certain areas. It is strongly suggested you call us to make an appointment to meet with any of these volunteers:
- AFRICAN-AMERICAN research, Ancestry, FamilySearch: Anita can help on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays 3:00-6:00pm.
- GERMANY, FamilySearch: Ask for Uschi, who is also fluent in GERMAN, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays 6:00-9:00pm.
- GERMANY and POLAND, Ancestry: See Joe on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays 9:00am-1:00p.
- IRELAND AND GERMANY, Chicago, NY and Pennsylvania, Ancestry, FamilySearch: Nickey can help on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays 3:00-6:00pm, as well as every Thursday 12:00-3:00pm.
- IRELAND and DANISH research: Ask for Pat on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays 12:00-3:00 pm.
- MEXICO, Spanish and FamilySearch: See Mariana, who is also fluent in Spanish, every Wednesday 5:00-9:00pm.
- POLAND, NEW ENGLAND and the MIDWEST: Ask for Jerry every Thursday 3:00-6:00pm. He can also help with Chicago Roman Catholic church records and passenger list records and some translation of POLISH, RUSSIAN and LATIN records.
- SWEDEN, DENMARK, IRELAND, ILLINOIS and MINNESOTA records, FamilySearch: Celeste can help on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:00-9:00pm.
- UK 18TH and 19TH CENTURY records: Ask for Stuart on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays 9:00am-1:00 pm.
CENTER RESOURCES
Premium Sites
The FamilySearch Center Portal gives us FREE ACCESS WHILE IN THE CENTER ONLY to premium family history software and websites that generally charge a subscription fee. Some of these include:
- 19th Century British library newspapers (British Library newspaper holdings 1800-1900)
- Alexander Street (Civil War research: letters, diaries, images)
- American Ancestors (By the New England Historic Genealogical Society includes 19th-century newspapers, court and probate records, genealogies, journals and periodicals, and immigration records)
- Ancestry Institution (Largest commercial genealogy site)
- Arkivdigital (Largest private provider of Swedish Church records and other historical records online)
- FamNet (Network for those who have New Zealand roots)
- Findmypast (British Isles, Australian, and Canadian records)
- Fold3 (Military records)
- Geneanet (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany)
- Goldie May (a suite of software power tools for genealogists.)
- Irish Ancestors (Irish ancestral research by surnames)
- MyHeritage Library Edition (Research family history, build a family tree, add photos, historical records, and more)
- NewspaperArchive (Archived newspapers, from the US and the world, hundreds of years old-including obituaries, birth announcements, sports articles, comics, and more. All historical newspapers are full-page and fully searchable)
- Paper Trail (19th-century westward American migration)
- Puzzilla (Descendant lines in Family Tree)
You can read more about premium sites on the FamilySearch Center Portal page.
Microfilm, Books and other materials
NOTE: The listings of microfilms and books that can be found at the Naperville FSC is being revised.
Due to our move, microfilms and books will NOT be available for viewing at our Center until after May 2024. Also, we no longer hold any microfiche.
We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions regarding a specific film number, please call or send us an email.
Below is an updated list of microfilms that will be retained at this FHC:
You can no longer request a microfilm loan from the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. That service was eliminated in 2017. Their microfilms have been digitized and can be viewed at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. However, some of the films can only be viewed in a FamilySearch Center; and because of contractual obligations with the record owner, some records may continue to be restricted.
Hardware and Equipment
Hardware and Equipment at this Center:
- 8 Computers
- 1 Printer/copier/photo scanner (Lexmark MX632)
- 1 Microfilm reader (temporarily unavailable)
- 1 ShotBox for photographing documents, photos and 3-dimensional items
You may BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (laptop, Chromebook, Notebook or Macbook with Chrome) to the FamilySearch Center.
- You must be connected to our building's wi-fi.
- You must install the Chrome extension for FamilySearch Premium Content. The extension allows users free access on their laptop to the third-party subscription genealogical sites listed under Premium Sites.
- This only works while connected to our building's wi-fi and with the extension activated.
Please note this option is not available at home and does not work with iPads, tablets, or mobile phones.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Other Ways to View Records
FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries are an extension of the FamilySearch Center; however, access to records may not be as extensive. There may be a FamilySearch Affiliate Library in your area:
- Batavia Public Library
- Downers Grove Public Library
- Elmhurst Public Library
- Fountaindale Public Library (Bolingbrook)
- Glen Ellyn Public Library
- Indian Prairie Library (Darien)
- LaGrange Park Public Library
- Naperville Public Library
- Plainfield Public Library
- Wheaton Public Library
- Woodridge Public Library
Other FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries can be found here: FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries
Free Records Lookup Services
- This service is no longer available as of July 17, 2023.
Other Resources
FamilySearch Webinars and Classes (continuously updated).
- Current and upcoming classes and webinars.
These webinars require registration and are viewed at a specific date and time.
- Past webinars.
These webinars are on various specific topics and can be viewed any time and do not require registration.
Other Links:
- Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois (The Chicago Database)
- Midwest Genealogy Center Resources, Independence MO Scroll down to MGC Microfilm Holding Guides, then click on Family History Library microfilm for a list of films available for viewing at MGC.
Volunteer at the Center
Additional volunteers are always needed and welcome. The first and foremost quality you will need to volunteer at the Naperville FamilySearch Center is a desire to help other people to research their family history. A working knowledge of FamilySearch, Ancestry or other site is preferred. But, you do not need any particular expertise in doing family history research; serving at the FamilySearch Center is a great way to learn how. You also do not need to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Volunteers typically serve a 3-hour shift at least twice a month.
If you would like more information about becoming one of our volunteers, contact the Stake FamilySearch Center Director at 630-774-9712 (please leave a voicemail with contact info).
The Naperville FamilySearch Center has MOVED! We are in the SAME BUILDING but in a different room.
The new entrance is on the East side of the building rather than in the back. There are signs.
We will be in a classroom temporarily, then move to our final location around the end of May.
During this time, we will still maintain the same hours and still have the same help available.
However, we will have NO ACCESS TO PHYSICAL MICROFILMS or books until after May 2024 (see "Microfilm, Books and other materials.").
Please come visit us as normal. Feel free to call with any questions.
ABOUT US
Who We Are
We are a FamilySearch Center located in Naperville IL, which is a branch of the FamilySearch Library. Our mission is to help patrons begin or continue their family genealogy. We are staffed totally by volunteers and open to the public free of charge.
Stake Temple and FamilySearch Center Directors:
Jim and Pam Van Alstin
Assistant Director:
Sherry Falbo
Where We Are
We are located at 1320 Ridgeland Ave., Naperville, IL 60563
- The Center is located in a church building just north of the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Naper Blvd, immediately north of the McDonald's.
- In the parking lot, as you face the building, the Center's ENTRANCE is on the far left (east) side of the building (follow the signs).
- Location Map
How to Contact Us
- Phone: 630-505-0233 (English only)
- Email: il_naperville@familyhistorymail.org
- Facebook: Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center
- Website/Wiki page address: Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center
- JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST. If you would like to be informed of FSC updates, please send us an email request. We do not share or sell your information. You will get a notification that you have been added to our Google Group email list. You will receive emails about our Center (closing due to weather, holidays, etc.;) any new information about us (change in hours or procedures; added records or microfilm, etc.) and occasional information about classes or webinars.
WHEN TO VISIT US
Hours and Appointments
Appointments are preferred if you need help regarding a research specialty; however, walk-ins are welcome and will be accepted on an individual basis depending on capacity at the time of your visit.
- For availability or to make an appointment, call 630-505-0233 or send an email to il_naperville@familyhistorymail.org. Please include your name and contact phone number.
Operating hours are:
- Sunday and Monday closed
- Tuesday......12-3pm and 3-6pm
- Wednesday.....3-6pm and 6-9pm (Spanish available)
- Thursday.....12-3pm and 3-6pm
- Friday.......10am-1pm and 1-4pm
- Saturday......9am-1pm
2024 Closures:
- Sat 6 April.
- Thur 4 July
- Sat 5 Oct
- Thanksgiving: Tue 26 Nov through Sat 30 Nov; reopen on Tue 3 Dec.
- Christmas: TBD.
Things to Know Before Arriving
PLEASE BRING A USB FLASH DRIVE to save any documents you might be able to download.
If you already have a FamilySearch account, please be sure to bring your USER NAME and PASSWORD. You will need it (and for any other accounts you may have, i.e. Ancestry, MyHeritage, etc.)
- No food or beverages. However, you may bring your own bottled water.
- No children please.
- Because of changing weather, please call ahead to make sure we are open; we will not be open during HEAVY SNOW or ICY conditions or any other SEVERE weather.
COVID
- A face mask is not required as of May 11, 2023. Please be considerate of those who wish to continue wearing a mask.
- This may change in accordance with local or federal government guidelines.
Remote Assistance
- We are NOT a research service, but we can offer some assistance via email or by phone.
- Please call or send an email and include your name and a contact phone number. Provide as much information as possible, names, dates, places; include the film and image number, if you know it, and any other details.
- Also see the panel below: "Other Ways to View Records."
Staff Research Specialties
Are you a beginner? Any of our staff can help you learn to do your own research. But we also have some volunteers who can help with certain areas. It is strongly suggested you call us to make an appointment to meet with any of these volunteers:
- AFRICAN-AMERICAN research, Ancestry, FamilySearch: Anita can help on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays 3:00-6:00pm.
- GERMANY, FamilySearch: Ask for Uschi, who is also fluent in GERMAN, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays 6:00-9:00pm.
- GERMANY and POLAND, Ancestry: See Joe on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays 9:00am-1:00p.
- IRELAND AND GERMANY, Chicago, NY and Pennsylvania, Ancestry, FamilySearch: Nickey can help on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays 3:00-6:00pm, as well as every Thursday 12:00-3:00pm.
- IRELAND and DANISH research: Ask for Pat on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays 12:00-3:00 pm.
- MEXICO, Spanish and FamilySearch: See Mariana, who is also fluent in Spanish, every Wednesday 5:00-9:00pm.
- POLAND, NEW ENGLAND and the MIDWEST: Ask for Jerry every Thursday 3:00-6:00pm. He can also help with Chicago Roman Catholic church records and passenger list records and some translation of POLISH, RUSSIAN and LATIN records.
- SWEDEN, DENMARK, IRELAND, ILLINOIS and MINNESOTA records, FamilySearch: Celeste can help on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:00-9:00pm.
- UK 18TH and 19TH CENTURY records: Ask for Stuart on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays 9:00am-1:00 pm.
CENTER RESOURCES
Premium Sites
The FamilySearch Center Portal gives us FREE ACCESS WHILE IN THE CENTER ONLY to premium family history software and websites that generally charge a subscription fee. Some of these include:
- 19th Century British library newspapers (British Library newspaper holdings 1800-1900)
- Alexander Street (Civil War research: letters, diaries, images)
- American Ancestors (By the New England Historic Genealogical Society includes 19th-century newspapers, court and probate records, genealogies, journals and periodicals, and immigration records)
- Ancestry Institution (Largest commercial genealogy site)
- Arkivdigital (Largest private provider of Swedish Church records and other historical records online)
- FamNet (Network for those who have New Zealand roots)
- Findmypast (British Isles, Australian, and Canadian records)
- Fold3 (Military records)
- Geneanet (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany)
- Goldie May (a suite of software power tools for genealogists.)
- Irish Ancestors (Irish ancestral research by surnames)
- MyHeritage Library Edition (Research family history, build a family tree, add photos, historical records, and more)
- NewspaperArchive (Archived newspapers, from the US and the world, hundreds of years old-including obituaries, birth announcements, sports articles, comics, and more. All historical newspapers are full-page and fully searchable)
- Paper Trail (19th-century westward American migration)
- Puzzilla (Descendant lines in Family Tree)
You can read more about premium sites on the FamilySearch Center Portal page.
Microfilm, Books and other materials
NOTE: The listings of microfilms and books that can be found at the Naperville FSC is being revised. Due to our move, microfilms and books will NOT be available for viewing at our Center until after May 2024. Also, we no longer hold any microfiche.
We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions regarding a specific film number, please call or send us an email.
Below is an updated list of microfilms that will be retained at this FHC:
You can no longer request a microfilm loan from the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. That service was eliminated in 2017. Their microfilms have been digitized and can be viewed at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. However, some of the films can only be viewed in a FamilySearch Center; and because of contractual obligations with the record owner, some records may continue to be restricted.
Hardware and Equipment
Hardware and Equipment at this Center:
- 8 Computers
- 1 Printer/copier/photo scanner (Lexmark MX632)
- 1 Microfilm reader (temporarily unavailable)
- 1 ShotBox for photographing documents, photos and 3-dimensional items
You may BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (laptop, Chromebook, Notebook or Macbook with Chrome) to the FamilySearch Center.
- You must be connected to our building's wi-fi.
- You must install the Chrome extension for FamilySearch Premium Content. The extension allows users free access on their laptop to the third-party subscription genealogical sites listed under Premium Sites.
- This only works while connected to our building's wi-fi and with the extension activated.
Please note this option is not available at home and does not work with iPads, tablets, or mobile phones.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Other Ways to View Records
FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries are an extension of the FamilySearch Center; however, access to records may not be as extensive. There may be a FamilySearch Affiliate Library in your area:
- Batavia Public Library
- Downers Grove Public Library
- Elmhurst Public Library
- Fountaindale Public Library (Bolingbrook)
- Glen Ellyn Public Library
- Indian Prairie Library (Darien)
- LaGrange Park Public Library
- Naperville Public Library
- Plainfield Public Library
- Wheaton Public Library
- Woodridge Public Library
Other FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries can be found here: FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries
Free Records Lookup Services
- This service is no longer available as of July 17, 2023.
Other Resources
FamilySearch Webinars and Classes (continuously updated).
- Current and upcoming classes and webinars.
These webinars require registration and are viewed at a specific date and time. - Past webinars.
These webinars are on various specific topics and can be viewed any time and do not require registration.
Other Links:
- Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois (The Chicago Database)
- Midwest Genealogy Center Resources, Independence MO Scroll down to MGC Microfilm Holding Guides, then click on Family History Library microfilm for a list of films available for viewing at MGC.
Volunteer at the Center
Additional volunteers are always needed and welcome. The first and foremost quality you will need to volunteer at the Naperville FamilySearch Center is a desire to help other people to research their family history. A working knowledge of FamilySearch, Ancestry or other site is preferred. But, you do not need any particular expertise in doing family history research; serving at the FamilySearch Center is a great way to learn how. You also do not need to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Volunteers typically serve a 3-hour shift at least twice a month.
If you would like more information about becoming one of our volunteers, contact the Stake FamilySearch Center Director at 630-774-9712 (please leave a voicemail with contact info).