Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center: Difference between revisions

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{{FHCpage|location=Illinois}} [[Image:Naperville Illinois Stake Center.JPG|thumb|right|400px]]  
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<div style="margin: .5em .5em 0; flex: 1; text-align: center;" class="fs-button">[[#ABOUT US|ABOUT US]]</div>
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<center>[[File:Naperville IL FHC outside banner.jpg]]</center>
<center><h2 style="font-size:3em!important; border-bottom:none; color:#4D4D4A">Discover - Gather - Connect</h2></center><H1>


=== Center Contacts and Hours  ===
<br />
<center><p style="color:red"><big>'''SMALLER but just as MIGHTY. The Naperville FamilySearch Center is now located in its new space. '''<big></center>
<center><p style="color:red"><big>'''We are in the SAME BUILDING but the entrance is on the East side of the building rather than in the back. '''<big></center>
<center><p style="color:red"><big>'''Our reduced Microfilm collection is now accessible. (see [[Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center#Microfilm, Books and other materials|"Microfilm, Books and other materials."]]). '''<big></center>
<center><p style="color:red"><big>'''Feel free to call with any questions. We look forward to seeing you.'''<big></center><H1></p>
<br />


'''Location &amp;&nbsp;Map:'''
* <big>WALK-INS are welcome and will be accepted depending upon capacity at that time.<big>
* <big>APPOINTMENTS are preferred if you need help from a specific volunteer. Please see the section [[Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center#Hours and Appointments|"Hours and Appointments."]] </big>
* <big>We can also offer assistance via email or by phone; please see the section [[Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center#Things to Know Before Arriving|"Things to Know Before Arriving."]]</big>


*'''Address:''' 1320 Ridgeland Avenue, Naperville, IL 60563
<big>Because of changing weather, '''<u>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.</u>'''</big>
*The Center is located just north of the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Naper Blvd, immediately north of the McDonald's. As you face the building, the Center entrance is on the left hand side of the building and around back.&nbsp; There are also signs posted at the front doors that will direct you to our entrance.&nbsp; When you reach the Center entrance, ring the door bell and then pull on the door.
*To find the Naperville Family History Center on a map, click this link: [http://g.co/maps/xkzdf g.co/maps/xkzdf].
*'''Phone:''' 630-505-0233
*'''E-mail:''' [mailto:il_naperville@ldsmail.net il_naperville@ldsmail.net]
*'''Center Director:''' Christine Bell, [mailto:marieb98@yahoo.com marieb98@yahoo.com]


'''Open Hours:'''
<big>We look forward to seeing you!</big>
<br />


*Tuesday and Thursdays: Noon to 9 pm
<!-- ABOUT US -->
*Wednesdays: 9 am to 9 pm
{{FHC Section
*Fridays: 10 am to 4 pm
| Section Title = ABOUT US
*Saturdays: 9 am to 1 pm
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'''Closings:'''


'''July 4 for Independence Day'''
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Who We Are
| Announcement Content =


'''Saturday, October 5 for General&nbsp;Conference'''
We are a FamilySearch Center located in Naperville IL, which is a branch of the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ 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.


'''Closing Early at 3 pm on October 31'''


'''Saturday, November 23 for annual Tools for Finding Your Ancestors Conference'''  
Stake Temple and FamilySearch Center Directors:<br> '''Jim and Pam Van Alstin'''


'''December 15-January 1, 2014 for Christmas/New Year's hoilday''' &nbsp;
Assistant Director: <br> '''Sherry Falbo'''
}}


<br>
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Where We Are
| Announcement Content =
[[File:Naperville IL FHC Lawn sign.jpg|300px]]


=== Calendar and Events &nbsp;  ===
'''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).
* [https://www.google.com/maps/place/1320+Ridgeland+Ave,+Naperville,+IL+60563/@41.7986927,-88.1186521,19z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x880e56ee18074377:0xcb4313a1aaa891e1 Location Map]
}}


== Upcoming Events:&nbsp;  ==
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = How to Contact Us
| Announcement Content =  


==== Upcoming Classes:  ====


<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Wednesday, May 15 at 1:30 pm and Thursday, May 23 at 7 pm*</span>
* '''Phone:''' 630-505-0233 (English only)
* '''Email:''' [mailto:il_naperville@familyhistorymail.org il_naperville@familyhistorymail.org]
* '''Facebook:''' [https://www.facebook.com/NapervilleILfamilyseachcenter Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center]
* '''Website/Wiki page address:''' [[Naperville_Illinois_FamilySearch_Center|Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center]]


Family Search Record Collections An ever-growing collection of original records is available at Familysearch.org in the Records Collection. Class will cover search techniques for both the indexed records and the larger collections of Browse Only Images
* 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.


<br>  
}}
}}<!-- END ABOUT US -->


<br>Wednesday, June 26 at 1:30 pm and Thursday, June 27 at 7 pm*
<!-- WHEN TO VISIT US -->
{{FHC Section
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Heritage Quest Online Available for free through your public library website, Heritage Quest Online offers several valuable tools.  
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Hours and Appointments
| Announcement Content =
'''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 [mailto:il_naperville@familyhistorymail.org il_naperville@familyhistorymail.org].  Please include your name and contact phone number.  


Thursday session of each class will be a repeat of Wednesday, not part 2.  
'''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


<br>
'''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: Thu 19 Dec through Wed 1 Jan; reopen on Thu 2 Jan 2025.
}}


'''Register for any or all of these classes at:&nbsp; [https://sites.google.com/site/napervillefamilyhistorycenter/classes-for-2013 https://sites.google.com/site/napervillefamilyhistorycenter/classes-for-2013]'''
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Things to Know Before Arriving
| Announcement Content =
'''PLEASE BRING A USB FLASH DRIVE''' to save any documents you might be able to download.
<br>
<br>
'''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.


<br>
'''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.


<br>'''Tools for Finding Your Ancestors 2013''' will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp;As conference details become available they will be&nbsp;posted at: &nbsp;&nbsp;https://sites.google.com/site/napervillefamilyhistorycenter/home<br>&nbsp;
'''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."
}}


<br>
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Staff Research Specialties
| Announcement Content =
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  ===
}}
}}
*
<!-- END WHEN TO VISIT US -->


==== Collections  ====
<!-- CENTER RESOURCES -->
{{FHC Section
| Section Title = CENTER RESOURCES
| Style visibility = visible
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| Section Content =  


*[https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog '''Family History Library Catalog:'''] This center has the ability to order any of the films and fiche available through the Family History Library Catalog.
{{FHC Announcement
*The extended microfilm collection includes all the Chicago Catholic Church records and other Cook County Illinois records,
| Announcement Title = Premium Sites
*'''[[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. These websites include:  
| Announcement Content =
*'''Access//Newspaper Archive''' - World's largest online newspaper archive, Features billions of articles from historical newspapers around the U. S. and the world.; Full page and fully searchable
'''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:
*'''Alexander Street Press''' – American Civil War – Research database, letters, diaries, photos and posters, 60 collections of audio tracks, videos, images, and playlists in humanities, Literature, Music, Women's History, Black History, Psychological Counseling and Thereapy, Sosial and Cultural History, Drama, Theatre, Film and performing Arts, Religion, Sociology
* [https://go.gale.com/ps/start.do?p 19th Century British library newspapers] (British Library newspaper holdings 1800-1900)
*'''Ancestry Family History Library Edition '''– U. S. federal and state census records, vital records, passenger lists, Canadian census, church, and vital records, UK census records, birth, marriage and death indexes, and other international records.
* [https://alexanderstreet.com/cwld Alexander Street] (Civil War research: letters, diaries, images)
*'''Find My Past''' – Create family trees, BMD indexes for England and Wales, parish registers, death duty registers, passport applications, passenger lists leaving UK, 1841 through 1911 censuses, and military records.
* [https://americanancestors.org American Ancestors] (By the New England Historic Genealogical Society includes 19th-century newspapers, court and probate records, genealogies, journals and periodicals, and immigration records)
*'''19th Century British Library Newspaper Digital Archives''' – This database provides images from 49 national and regional English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish newspapers from 1800 to 1900.
* [https://www.ancestry.com Ancestry Institution] (Largest commercial genealogy site)
*'''ArkivDigital Online '''- Swedish Church Records and much more
* [https://www.arkivdigital.net Arkivdigital] (Largest private provider of Swedish Church records and other historical records online)
*'''The Genealogist''' UK information which includes parish register transcripts, census transcripts and images, landowner records, directories, BMDs for England and Wales, military records, electoral rolls, will indexes, and school registers
* [https://www.famnet.org.nz/ FamNet] (Network for those who have New Zealand roots)
*'''Godfrey Memorial Library''' – Early American and 19th century U.S. newspaper and unique resources (this content is comprised of Godfrey’s own unique digitized in-house content), donated genealogical books, research materials and projects, Civil war research database, letters and diaries.
* [https://www.findmypast.com Findmypast] (British Isles, Australian, and Canadian records)
*'''Fold 3''' (as of August 18, 2011) Previous known as Footnote – Resources cover colonial to mid-1900s US records. Includes some census records, vital records, photos, city directories, newspapers, town records, naturalizations, Revolutionary War records and Civil war and later military indexes, World War&nbsp;!!"Old man's Draft"Cards, War of 1812 Pension Files, Mexican War Service Records, World War&nbsp;! Officer Experience Reports, Confederate Casualty Reports.
* [https://www.fold3.com Fold3] (Military records)
*'''Heritage Quest Online''' – Census records (indexed by heads of household, but not years are indexed), digitized searchable books, Periodical Source Index (PERSI), selected records from the Revolutionary War pension and bounty land warrant application files, Freedman’s Bank Records, and U. S. Serial Set.
* [https://en.geneanet.org Geneanet] (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany)
*'''Historical Map Works Library Edition '''– Over 800,000 property maps covering the U.S. from late 1700’s to the present, over 100,000 antique maps covering the world from 15th to 19th centuries, and city directories, atlases, business ads, bird’s eye views.  
* [https://www.goldiemay.com/ Goldie May ] (a suite of software power tools for genealogists.)
*'''Paper Trail''' – Index to Mormon and Oregon Trail Diaries
* [https://www.johngrenham.com Irish Ancestors] (Irish ancestral research by surnames)
*'''World Vital Records''' – Worldwide records including immigration, some U.S., Canadian and U.K. censuses, vital records, parish and land records, family histories, directories, court probate records, digitized books and newspapers, Irish wills and censuses, German Hungarian land census, Scottish death records, England and Wales BMD.
* [https://myheritagelibraryedition.com/research MyHeritage Library Edition] (Research family history, build a family tree, add photos, historical records, and more)
* [https://newspaperarchive.com 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)
* [https://www.paper-trail.org Paper Trail] (19th-century westward American migration)
* [https://puzzilla.org Puzzilla] (Descendant lines in Family Tree)
''You can read more about premium sites on the [[FamilySearch Center Portal|FamilySearch Center Portal]] page.''
}}


==== &nbsp;'''Hardware and Equipment''' ====
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Microfilm, Books and other materials
| Announcement Content =  
NOTE: The listings of microfilms and books that can be found at the Naperville FSC is being revised.
'''Due to our move, our microfilm collection and books will NOT be available for viewing at our Center until after May 2024.''' Also, we no longer hold any microfiche.


*6&nbsp;computers with printers
We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions regarding a specific film number, please call or send us an email.
*9 Microfilm readers including 2 with high magnification lenses
*2 microfiche readers
*Microfilm/microfiche copier that can print a hard copy or save a digital image to your portal drive


=== Center Services  ===
Below is an updated list of microfilms that will be retained at this FHC:
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Rj5Uc78jW57A1v2HXHf1sO8S3MxtK0j/view?usp=sharing Listings of Microfilm at Naperville FHC]]


==== Staff Research Specialties  ====
'''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.
}}


Wednesday mornings 9 to noon: Irish research Ask for Pat or Christine
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Hardware and Equipment
| Announcement Content =
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
<br>
<br>
'''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.'''
}}
}}
<!-- END CENTER RESOURCES -->


Wednesday late afternoon and evenings: Property records, probate records, court archives, cemeteries in Cook County Cook County Pennsylvania; Sweden; Germany; Croatia, early farming communities in Cook and Will counties Ask for Linda
<!-- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -->


1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons Noon to 3 pm; Ask for Ola for help with Polish records, fluent in Polish and Russian, some Latin Ask for Abby for Canadian research or help reading French records
{{FHC Section
| Section Title = ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Style visibility = visible
| Style align-items = stretch
| Section Content =


2nd and 4th Thursday afternoons Noon to 3 pm: Ask for Pat for help with Irish and Danish research. Ask for Dave for help with Midwestern States, Tenn., New England and Civil War records. He has genealogical working knowledge of French, German, Spanish, Old German script
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Other Ways to View Records
| Announcement Content =
'''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:
*[http://www.bataviapubliclibrary.org/ Batavia Public Library]
*[https://dglibrary.org/genealogy-services/ Downers Grove Public Library]
*[https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/247-e-library/research-reference/biography-genealogy/#genealogy/ Elmhurst Public Library]
*[http://www.fountaindale.org/ Fountaindale Public Library (Bolingbrook)]
*[https://gepl.org/ Glen Ellyn Public Library]
*[http://ippl.info/ Indian Prairie Library (Darien)]
*[http://www.lplibrary.org/ LaGrange Park Public Library]
*[https://www.naperville-lib.org/ Naperville Public Library]
*[http://www.plainfieldpubliclibrary.org/ Plainfield Public Library]
*[https://wheatonlibrary.org/ Wheaton Public Library]
*[https://www.woodridgelibrary.org/ Woodridge Public Library]


Thursday afternoons 3 to 6 pm: Poland, Germany, New England, Midwest; Chicago Roman Catholic church records; passenger list records; can translate Polish, Russian, Latin; Ask for Jerry
Other FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries can be found here: [[FamilySearch_Affiliate_Libraries#United_States Link]]


Friday mornings 10 am to 1 pm: West Prussia, Norway, Chicago Ask for Janet


Friday afternoons 1 to 4 pm: Migration within the the US, Civil War records, Ask for Jan<br> <br>
'''Free Records Lookup Services'''
*This service is no longer available as of July 17, 2023.
}}


=== Links  ===
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Other Resources
| Announcement Content =  
'''FamilySearch Webinars and Classes''' (continuously updated).
* [[FamilySearch Library Classes and Webinars#Upcoming Webinars|Current and upcoming classes and webinars]].<br>These webinars require registration and are viewed at a specific date and time.
* [[Classes in the Learning Center|Past webinars]].<br>These webinars are on various specific topics and can be viewed any time and do not require registration.


Dupage County (IL) Genealogical Society [http://www.dcgs.org/ www.dcgs.org/]


Fox Valley Genealogical Society: [http://www.ilfvgs.org/ www.ilfvgs.org/]  
'''Other Links:'''
* [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library, Salt Lake City UT]


Wheaton, IL Public Library Genealogy and Local History:&nbsp; [http://www.wheatonlibrary.org/refdb/dbgeneal.html www.wheatonlibrary.org/refdb/dbgeneal.html]&nbsp;
* [http://www.dcgs.org/ Dupage County (IL) Genealogical Society]


<br>
* [http://www.ilfvgs.org/ Fox Valley Genealogical Society]


'''Family Search&nbsp;Affiliate Libraries'''<br>
* [https://jgsi.org/JGSI-Jewish-Chicago-Database/ Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois] (The Chicago Database)


Plainfield Public Library:&nbsp; http://www.plainfieldpubliclibrary.org/  
* [https://pgsa.org/ Polish Genealogical Society of America]


Indian Prairie Library:&nbsp;&nbsp;http://www.indianprairie.lib.il.us/
* [https://www.mymcpl.org/genealogy/resources/resources-for-genealogy/ 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 ===
{{FHC Announcement
| Announcement Title = Volunteer at the Center
| Announcement Content =  
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.


Additional volunteers are always needed and welcome.&nbsp; The first and foremost quality you will need to volunteer at the Naperville Family History Center is a desire to help other people to research their family history.&nbsp; You do not need any particualr expertise in doing family history research; serving at the Family History Center is a great way to learn how.&nbsp; You also do not need to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christi of Latter-day Saints.&nbsp; Volunteers typically serve a 3 hour shift at least twice a month.&nbsp; If you would like more information about becoming one of our volunteers, contact Center Director Christine Bell at [mailto:marieb98@yahoo.com marieb98@yahoo.com]&nbsp;
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).<br>
}}
}}<!-- END ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -->


[[Category:Illinois_Family_History_Centers]]
[[Category:Illinois FamilySearch Centers]]

Latest revision as of 13:31, 10 June 2024

Naperville IL FHC outside banner.jpg

Discover - Gather - Connect


SMALLER but just as MIGHTY. The Naperville FamilySearch Center is now located in its new space.

We are in the SAME BUILDING but the entrance is on the East side of the building rather than in the back.

Our reduced Microfilm collection is now accessible. (see "Microfilm, Books and other materials.").

Feel free to call with any questions. We look forward to seeing you.


  • 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

Naperville IL FHC Lawn sign.jpg

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

  • 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.

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: Thu 19 Dec through Wed 1 Jan; reopen on Thu 2 Jan 2025.


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, our microfilm collection 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:

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).


Other Links:


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).