Washington DC FamilySearch Center: Difference between revisions

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{{FHCpage|location=Maryland}}
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{{Box
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| title=Washington DC Family History Center
| content=The Washington DC Family History Center welcomes you, and we look forward to assisting you with your genealogical research. We provide access to digitized and microfilm records, books, and genealogical websites. Our all-volunteer staff is ready to answer questions about the resources available in the FHC and give limited research guidance.There is no charge for using the facility, and only nominal charges for copies, forms, and rental of microfilms or microfiche.
}}
[[Image:Washingtondc.jpg|right|600px|Washingtondc.jpg]]  


=== Center Contacts and Hours  ===
=='''<big>Location and Contacts</big>'''==


'''Location Map:''' [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=10000+Stoneybrook+Drive,+Kensington,+MD+&hl=en&ll=39.016716,-77.06347&spn=0.023841,0.045447&sll=36.073834,-87.333927&sspn=0.027957,0.044932&vpsrc=6&t=m&z=15 Location Map]


'''Address:''' 10000 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895


*Directions I-495 to Connecticut Avenue N. At first traffic light outside I-495, turn right onto BEACH Drive. Follow until Beach Drive dead-ends into STONEYBROOK Drive. Turn left on STONEYBROOK Drive.  Go up the hill; turn left into the 3rd driveway, which is the driveway at red brick church building (10000 Stoneybrook Drive). The FHC is on the right side of the building, half-way back.
<big>'''Washington DC FamilySearch Center'''</big>


'''Phone:''' '''1-301-587-0042'''
<big>10000 Stoneybrook Drive</big>


'''E-mail:''' [mailto:DC_Washington@ldsmail.net DC_Washington@ldsmail.net] or [mailto:info@wdcfhc.org info@wdcfhc.org]
<big>Kensington, MD 20895</big>


:Language: English
<big>Phone: 301-587-0042</big>


'''Open Hours: '''
<big>Location Map: [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=10000+Stoneybrook+Drive,+Kensington,+MD+&hl=en&ll=39.016716,-77.06347&spn=0.023841,0.045447&sll=36.073834,-87.333927&sspn=0.027957,0.044932&vpsrc=6&t=m&z=15 Location Map]</big>


*'''Monday: '''Closed to general public; open for African-American Special Interest Group
<big>E-mail: [mailto:wdcfhc@gmail.com wdcfhc@gmail.com]</big>
*'''Tuesday: '''9:30am-4:30pm and 7:00pm-9:30pm
*'''Wednesday: '''9:30am-4:30pm and 7:00pm-9:30pm
*'''Thursday: '''9:30am-4:30pm and 7:00pm-9:30pm
*'''Friday: '''9:30am-1:00pm
*'''Saturday:''' :30am–4:30pm
*'''Sunday: '''Closed


'''Website: '''[http://www.wdcfhc.org/ Washington DC Family History Library]
==<big>'''Hours of Operation'''</big>==
<big>Sunday.....................................................12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</big>


'''Mailing Address: PO Box 49, Kensington, MD 20895'''
<big>Monday....................................................Closed</big>


'''Procedures &amp; Rules''' 
<big>Tuesday....................................................Closed</big>


:No materials can leave the FHC, including books, microfilm, microfiche or CD-ROMs. Smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted anywhere on the premises. No food or drink (except for water) is permitted.  
<big>Wednesday .............................................10:00 am - 4:00 pm</big>


=== Calendar and Events  ===
<big>Thursday ................................................10:00 am - 4:00 pm</big>


Classes are held at the Washington DC Family History Center, monthly on the 3rd Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
<big>Thursday Evening 1st, 3rd, 5th....................6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</big>
10000 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, MD 20895 


Annual Conference, free - 1st Saturday in May 
<big>Friday.......................................................Closed</big>


For registration and further information: Info@wdcfhc.org phone: 301-587-0042
<big>Saturday..................................................10:00 am - 4:00 pm</big>


=== Center Resources  ===


==== Newsletter  ====
<big>''The FamilySearch Center will close when Montgomery County Schools are closed for bad weather.''</big>


:Our free monthly newsletter, Generations, is sent via email during the first week of each month. It has timely information about activities and events at our FHC as well as research tips and links. To subscribe, please send an email to: info@wdcfhc.org.
<big>''If it is a Saturday, please call before leaving your home:  301-587-0042''</big>


==== Oral History Room  ====
== <big>Generations Newsletter</big> ==


:A unique feature of our FHC is our Oral History Room, which is equipped with professional audio and digital video technology. This is an easy way to capture and preserve the living history of a family member or loved one. For further information or to schedule the room, call Linda Christensen at 301-587-0042; email: info@wdcfhc.org.
<big>Subscribe to our monthly Generations Newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox in the first week of every month. Stay updated with timely information on activities and events at our FamilySearch Center, along with valuable research tips and links. To subscribe, simply email us at: wdcfhc@gmail.com.</big>


==== Collections  ====
<big>You can find past editions of Generations in the archived section accessible [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dwgz2rj9sosszqhtc6bd4/Generations-Archived-Newsletters.docx?rlkey=xh146mjihokda0w4fdzesfq0d&dl=0 here].</big>


:*[https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog '''FamilySearch Catalog: '''] This center has the ability to order any of the films and fiche available through the FamilySearch Catalog.
==<big>'''Washington DC FamilySearch Center Resources'''</big>==


:*'''Patrons' Microfiche Collection''' -- a collection of fiche ordered by our patrons, assorted titles. Contain family histories, vital records, and other types of information.


:*'''Indefinite Film Collection''' -- a collection of films on a variety of subjects, to include vital records, county records, court records, etc.


:*'''Book Collection:''' -- Shelved by Locality, Subject, or Family Name. Books for each state in the U.S. are arranged alphabetically; each state has a binder containing a Research Outline and other materials. There are books on immigration, church records, census, military, and foreign countries; maps and atlases.
* <big>Bring your own laptop to access the Premium FamilySearch Portal while connected to the free FamilySearch Center Wifi.</big>


==== Additional Resources  ====
* <big>There are 16 computers available, with 4 equipped with dual monitors.</big>


#'''Card Catalog''' - Items in this FHC are found in the card catalog, which lists microfilm, fiche and book presently onsite. Cards are arranged by Locality, Surname, and Subject.
* <big>The facility offers a high-volume photo scanner capable of scanning 500 photos per hour.</big>
#'''Family Group Records Archives (FGRA)''' - This is the only FHC east of the Mississippi River to have a full set of these microfilms which represent the largest part of the Family History Library’s collection of over 8 million Family Group Sheets. There are roughly 1991 films, arranged alphabetically by the husband’s surname.
#'''Other Finding Aids''' - research guides, handwriting guides, letter writing guides for foreign countries, magazines.


==== Databases and Software  ====
* <big>Additionally, there is a flatbed scanner for editing photographs, slides, photo negatives, and documents.</big>


:*'''[[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: Ancestry.com FHC Institution version, World Vital Records; Fold3.com (formerly Footnote), NewspaperArchive.com, MyHeritage, FamilyLink, Genline, FindMyPast.uk, FamilyHistoryLink, Alexander Street Press (Civil War), The Genealogist, Historic Map Works, 19th Century British Library Newspaper Digital Archive.
* <big>For digitizing slides and negatives, there's a specialized slide and negative scanner. This scanner allows you to view digital images on a monitor, making it easier to adjust tint and print quality before the actual scanning process.</big>
:*Our computers have links to hundreds of genealogy websites.
:*Genealogy software available on our computers: PAF, RootsMagic, Legacy, Family Tree Maker.
:*Additional software programs include: Adobe Photoshop Elements, a software editing program for photos, slides and negatives; and ABBY Reader, which converts digitized documents into text documents.


==== Hardware and Equipment  ====
* <big>A book scanner is also available, enabling quick scanning of books and magazines. The scanner produces high-resolution images that can convert text to OCR for better accessibility.</big>


:*Wi-Fi
* <big>Explore the Library Collection, which includes a comprehensive assortment of printed books. This collection encompasses family histories, yearbooks, biographies, local histories, and other genealogical books.</big>
:*Kodak photo scanner (can scan 500 photos per hour)
:*'''12''' computers
:*'''6''' printers (one color)
:*'''2''' microfilm reader-printers (Canon and ScanPro)
:*'''2''' flatbed Epson scanners (to scan and edit photographs, slides, photo negatives and documents, and save them to a removable drive or CD)
:*'''10''' microfilm readers
:*'''3''' microfiche readers


=== Center Services  ===
==[[FamilySearch Center Portal|<big>'''FamilySearch Center Portal'''</big>]]==
* <big>Access Newspaper Archives</big>
* <big>Ancestry Library Edition</big>
* <big>ArkivDigital Online (Swedish)</big>
* <big>MyHeritage.com</big>
* <big>FindMyPast</big>
* <big>Fold3</big>
* <big>19th Century British Library Newspapers</big>
* <big>Puzzilla</big>
* <big>Historic Map Works Library Edition</big>
* <big>The Genealogist</big>
* <big>Alexander Street Press, American Civil War</big>
* <big>Paper Trail</big>


==== Staff Research Specialties  ====
== <big>'''Research Specialists'''</big> ==
<big>Dedicated volunteers with expertise in various areas of U.S. and international research are ready to assist patrons. Some of our volunteers are affiliated with the APG (Association of Professional Genealogists). If you have a specific research requirement, feel free to reach out to us, and we'll be happy to explore how we can assist you.</big>


Staff specialists are available to assist patrons in a variety of areas of research within the U.S. and many countries. We also have several staff members who are members of APG (Association of Professional Genealogists). If you have a specific research need, please view the specialists on our website ([http://wdcfhc.org/consultants.php wdcfhc.org/consultants.php]) or contact us to determine how we can be of help.
==<big>'''Special Interest Groups'''</big>==
<big>'''African-American Special Interest Group'''</big>


==== Special Interest Groups  ====
<big>The African-American Special Interest Group is a community dedicated to exploring all aspects of African-American genealogy. The group offers a platform for individuals interested in delving into their African-American roots, providing support, resources, and a collaborative environment for genealogical research. Meetings are scheduled to accommodate both virtual and in-person participation, fostering inclusivity and flexibility.</big>


'''African-American''': Focus on all aspects of African-American research. Group meets every Monday at 9:30 a.m.
<big>- Alternating Mondays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom</big>


'''DNA''': DNA in genealogy research is escalating in importance. This group is led by Jim Bartlett, who describes the various tests and explains how they may benefit your research. Group meets on 2nd & 4th Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m.
<big>- Alternating Mondays, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: In-person meetings at the Washington DC FamilySearch Center</big>


'''Eastern European:''' Focus on research and resources in Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Lecture and computer research assistance. Group meets monthly on the 4th Saturday at noon.
<big>''For further information, please contact Frank Jenkins at FSCAASIG@gmail.com.''</big>


'''Irish''': Focus on research in both Ireland and in the U.S. Group meets the 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
<big>---</big>


'''Metro DC RootsMagic Users''': RootsMagic is a popular genealogical software which makes researching, organizing and sharing family history easy. This group explores its many features to maximize usage. Group meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
<big>'''Beginning Genealogy Special Interest Group'''</big>


Additional groups will be formed as requested by patrons.  
<big>The Beginning Genealogy Research Group is designed for individuals who are new to genealogy and are eager to start their research journey. The group provides a supportive atmosphere for beginners, offering guidance and resources to help them navigate the initial stages of genealogical exploration.</big>


=== Resources in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area ===
<big>- Every Tuesday, 10:30 AM: Virtual meetings on Zoom</big>


[http://www.archives.gov/ National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC]
<big>''For further information, please contact Lorraine Minor at ldgene@verizon.net.''</big>


[http://www.loc.gov/index.html Library of Congress, Washington, DC]
<big>---</big>


[http://www.dar.org/ DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)]
<big>'''Advanced DNA Special Interest Group'''</big>


[http://www.dclibrary.org/research/collections Martin Luther King Public Library, Washington DC Special Collections]
<big>The Advanced DNA Research Group focuses on advanced methodologies and tools in DNA research for genealogy. This group is tailored for individuals with a deeper understanding of DNA analysis and aims to explore cutting-edge techniques and technologies in the field.</big>


[http://www.msa.md.gov/ Maryland Archives]
<big>- 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom</big>


[http://www.mdgensoc.org/ Maryland Genealogical Society]
<big>''For further information, please contact Jim Bartlett at jim4bartletts@verizon.net.''</big>


[http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/vr/ Virginia Room of the Fairfax County Virginia Library]
<big>---</big>


[http://www.mvgenealogy.org/PDFs/Upcoming_Genealogy_Events.pdf Genealogy Events (sponsored by the Mt. Vernon Genealogy Society)]
<big>'''Beginning DNA Special Interest Group'''</big>


[http://www.vgs.org/ Virginia Genealogical Society]
<big>The Beginning DNA Research Group is geared towards individuals who want to learn how to use DNA for genealogical research. The group provides a foundational understanding of DNA analysis and its application in tracing family history.</big>
[http://www.aahgs.org/ Afro-American Historical &amp; Genealogical Society (AAHGS)]


See also the [[District of Columbia Archives and Libraries]] FamilySearch Wiki page.
<big>- 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom</big>


=== Links  ===
<big>''For further information, please contact Andy Hochreiter at ajhochreiter@comcast.net.''</big>


FamilySearch Wiki, Maryland&nbsp;[[Maryland Genealogy|Maryland]]
<big>---</big>


FamilySearch Wiki, Virginia&nbsp;[[Virginia Genealogy|Virginia]]
<big>'''Eastern European Genealogy Special Interest Group'''</big>


FamilySearch Wiki, Washington DC&nbsp;[[District of Columbia Genealogy|District of Columbia]]<br>  
<big>The Eastern European Genealogy Research Group focuses on research and resources in countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Belarus. This group offers a platform for individuals with roots in Eastern Europe to collaborate, share insights, and access valuable resources.</big>


----
<big>- 3rd Saturday of each month, 1:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom</big>
 
<big>''For further information, please contact Mary Ann Evan at maryann.evan@gmail.com.''</big>
 
<big>---</big>
 
<big>'''Irish Special Interest Group'''</big>
 
<big>The Irish Research Group concentrates on genealogical research in both Ireland and the U.S. This group provides a space for individuals interested in tracing their Irish ancestry, offering support, expertise, and valuable resources.</big>
 
<big>- 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom</big>
 
<big>''For further information, please contact Cindy Finelli at cfinelli16@gmail.com.''</big>
 
<big>---</big>
 
<big>'''Metro DC RootsMagic Users Group'''</big>
 
<big>The Metro DC RootsMagic Users Group is dedicated to exploring the features of RootsMagic 9, a popular genealogical software. This group aims to help members maximize their usage of RootsMagic for researching, organizing, and sharing family history.</big>
 
<big>- 1st and 2nd Saturdays each month, 9:30 AM: Virtual meetings on Zoom</big>
 
<big>''For further information, please contact Gary Petranek at gpetranek@gmail.com.''</big>


=== Volunteer at the Center  ===
==<big>'''Resources in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area'''</big>==
*[http://www.archives.gov/ <big>National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC</big>]


Would you like to enhance your family history research skills and share what you already know? We are seeking volunteers to staff our Center and assist our patrons. For further information, contact Linda Christensen at info@wdcfhc.org or call 301-587-0042.
*[http://www.loc.gov/index.html <big>Library of Congress, Washington, DC</big>]
*[http://www.dar.org/ <big>DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)</big>]
*[http://www.dclibrary.org/research/collections <big>Martin Luther King Public Library, Washington DC Special Collections</big>]
*<big>[https://msa.maryland.gov/ Maryland Archives]</big>
*[http://www.mdgensoc.org/ <big>Maryland Genealogical Society</big>]
*[http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/vr/ <big>Virginia Room of the Fairfax County Virginia Library</big>]
*[http://www.vgs.org/ <big>Virginia Genealogical Society</big>]
*[http://www.aahgs.org/ <big>Afro-American Historical &amp; Genealogical Society (AAHGS)</big>]
*[https://os.dc.gov/service/district-columbia-archives <big>District of Columbia Archives</big>]
*<big>See also the [[District of Columbia Archives and Libraries]] FamilySearch Wiki page.</big><br><br><br>
<big>If you are interested in Volunteering in the Washington DC FamilySearch Center,</big> <big>kindly reach out to</big> <big>us</big> <big>directly.</big>
----


[[Category:District of Columbia Family History Centers]]
[[Category:District of Columbia FamilySearch Centers]]

Latest revision as of 18:28, 7 June 2024

FamilySearch This article describes the services and resources available at a FamilySearch Center, a branch facility of the FamilySearch Library.



WDCFSC exterior.jpg

Location and Contacts[edit | edit source]

Washington DC FamilySearch Center

10000 Stoneybrook Drive

Kensington, MD 20895

Phone: 301-587-0042

Location Map: Location Map

E-mail: wdcfhc@gmail.com

Hours of Operation[edit | edit source]

Sunday.....................................................12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Monday....................................................Closed

Tuesday....................................................Closed

Wednesday .............................................10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thursday ................................................10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thursday Evening 1st, 3rd, 5th....................6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Friday.......................................................Closed

Saturday..................................................10:00 am - 4:00 pm


The FamilySearch Center will close when Montgomery County Schools are closed for bad weather.

If it is a Saturday, please call before leaving your home:  301-587-0042

Generations Newsletter[edit | edit source]

Subscribe to our monthly Generations Newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox in the first week of every month. Stay updated with timely information on activities and events at our FamilySearch Center, along with valuable research tips and links. To subscribe, simply email us at: wdcfhc@gmail.com.

You can find past editions of Generations in the archived section accessible here.

Washington DC FamilySearch Center Resources[edit | edit source]

  • Bring your own laptop to access the Premium FamilySearch Portal while connected to the free FamilySearch Center Wifi.
  • There are 16 computers available, with 4 equipped with dual monitors.
  • The facility offers a high-volume photo scanner capable of scanning 500 photos per hour.
  • Additionally, there is a flatbed scanner for editing photographs, slides, photo negatives, and documents.
  • For digitizing slides and negatives, there's a specialized slide and negative scanner. This scanner allows you to view digital images on a monitor, making it easier to adjust tint and print quality before the actual scanning process.
  • A book scanner is also available, enabling quick scanning of books and magazines. The scanner produces high-resolution images that can convert text to OCR for better accessibility.
  • Explore the Library Collection, which includes a comprehensive assortment of printed books. This collection encompasses family histories, yearbooks, biographies, local histories, and other genealogical books.

FamilySearch Center Portal[edit | edit source]

  • Access Newspaper Archives
  • Ancestry Library Edition
  • ArkivDigital Online (Swedish)
  • MyHeritage.com
  • FindMyPast
  • Fold3
  • 19th Century British Library Newspapers
  • Puzzilla
  • Historic Map Works Library Edition
  • The Genealogist
  • Alexander Street Press, American Civil War
  • Paper Trail

Research Specialists[edit | edit source]

Dedicated volunteers with expertise in various areas of U.S. and international research are ready to assist patrons. Some of our volunteers are affiliated with the APG (Association of Professional Genealogists). If you have a specific research requirement, feel free to reach out to us, and we'll be happy to explore how we can assist you.

Special Interest Groups[edit | edit source]

African-American Special Interest Group

The African-American Special Interest Group is a community dedicated to exploring all aspects of African-American genealogy. The group offers a platform for individuals interested in delving into their African-American roots, providing support, resources, and a collaborative environment for genealogical research. Meetings are scheduled to accommodate both virtual and in-person participation, fostering inclusivity and flexibility.

- Alternating Mondays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom

- Alternating Mondays, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: In-person meetings at the Washington DC FamilySearch Center

For further information, please contact Frank Jenkins at FSCAASIG@gmail.com.

---

Beginning Genealogy Special Interest Group

The Beginning Genealogy Research Group is designed for individuals who are new to genealogy and are eager to start their research journey. The group provides a supportive atmosphere for beginners, offering guidance and resources to help them navigate the initial stages of genealogical exploration.

- Every Tuesday, 10:30 AM: Virtual meetings on Zoom

For further information, please contact Lorraine Minor at ldgene@verizon.net.

---

Advanced DNA Special Interest Group

The Advanced DNA Research Group focuses on advanced methodologies and tools in DNA research for genealogy. This group is tailored for individuals with a deeper understanding of DNA analysis and aims to explore cutting-edge techniques and technologies in the field.

- 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom

For further information, please contact Jim Bartlett at jim4bartletts@verizon.net.

---

Beginning DNA Special Interest Group

The Beginning DNA Research Group is geared towards individuals who want to learn how to use DNA for genealogical research. The group provides a foundational understanding of DNA analysis and its application in tracing family history.

- 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom

For further information, please contact Andy Hochreiter at ajhochreiter@comcast.net.

---

Eastern European Genealogy Special Interest Group

The Eastern European Genealogy Research Group focuses on research and resources in countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Belarus. This group offers a platform for individuals with roots in Eastern Europe to collaborate, share insights, and access valuable resources.

- 3rd Saturday of each month, 1:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom

For further information, please contact Mary Ann Evan at maryann.evan@gmail.com.

---

Irish Special Interest Group

The Irish Research Group concentrates on genealogical research in both Ireland and the U.S. This group provides a space for individuals interested in tracing their Irish ancestry, offering support, expertise, and valuable resources.

- 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7:00 PM: Virtual meetings on Zoom

For further information, please contact Cindy Finelli at cfinelli16@gmail.com.

---

Metro DC RootsMagic Users Group

The Metro DC RootsMagic Users Group is dedicated to exploring the features of RootsMagic 9, a popular genealogical software. This group aims to help members maximize their usage of RootsMagic for researching, organizing, and sharing family history.

- 1st and 2nd Saturdays each month, 9:30 AM: Virtual meetings on Zoom

For further information, please contact Gary Petranek at gpetranek@gmail.com.

Resources in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area[edit | edit source]

If you are interested in Volunteering in the Washington DC FamilySearch Center, kindly reach out to us directly.

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=Washington_DC_FamilySearch_Center&oldid=5760110"