Washington DC FamilySearch Center

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

Location and Contacts

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

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

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

• 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

• 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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

• National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC

• Library of Congress, Washington, DC
• DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
• Martin Luther King Public Library, Washington DC Special Collections
• Maryland Archives
• Maryland Genealogical Society
• Virginia Room of the Fairfax County Virginia Library
• Virginia Genealogical Society
• Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society (AAHGS)
• District of Columbia Archives
• See also the District of Columbia Archives and Libraries FamilySearch Wiki page.
  
  
  

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

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