Ogden FamilySearch Center/Discovery

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Available Group Activities

At the Ogden FamilySearch Center, we have varied experiences for different groups. In general, we suggest the following:
Ages 7-11 Children's activity
Ages 12 + Discovery and/or classroom instruction
The descriptions below will help you decide which activities best fit the needs of your group. Please read carefully in order to ensure a positive experience.

Discovery Area:

• The Discovery Area is one of the Center’s most popular activities. Twelve large interactive screens will help you discover more about your ancestors.
  
• The Discovery Area includes 17 stations and 3 recording booths.
  
• This experience is designed for adults and youth age 11 and older.
  
• The Discovery experience typically lasts about 45-50 minutes.
  
• Important information to prepare for your visit:

• Each participant should already have a FamilySearch account. Check the FamilySearch.org User ID and password of all participants to ensure they are working prior to your visit.
• Each individual must obtain a personal 5-digit code to use the discovery area . This can be obtained at the FamilySearch Center by scanning a QR code with a phone, or by using one of the computers available at the center. It can also be obtained up to 2 hours before arriving at the center by navigating to https://familysearch.org/discovery/discoverycenteruser?center=OGD
• The best experience happens when guests are connected to at least four generations in their FamilySearch tree.
• Parents/leaders are expected to be engaged with and supervise their group to prevent abuse of the equipment and inappropriate use of computers.
  

• The Discovery Area is available on weekdays during our regular hours.
• We do not currently have enough staffing to open the Discovery Area on Saturday or Sunday.
• Groups larger than 17 people will not all be able to participate at once and will need to take turns at the stations.
• If your group is larger than 17, please call the Center at 801.626.1132 to discuss options before scheduling.
• Walk-ins without reservations are welcome before 5:30 PM, but groups with reservations will take priority.
• Reservations are highly recommended at all times, especially during evening hours.
• Groups without reservations may not be able to be accommodated and may need to come back another time.
  

• Use this link to schedule your Discovery Area appointment. Ogden Discovery Center Reservations

Large and Small Classrooms:

• The Ogden FamilySearch Center classrooms are available for adult and youth groups. Groups can facilitate their own family history instruction or the Center will provide instruction upon request.
• Family history training could include any of the following:

• FamilySearch overview
• Hands-on FamilySearch scavenger hunt
• Indexing or standardization
• Other requested family history topics

• When you make your reservation, please include what family history topic you would like to learn, number of guests in the group, and whether or not you will need assistance.
• Important information to prepare for your visit:

• Each participant should already have a FamilySearch account. Check the FamilySearch.org User ID and password of all participants to ensure they are working prior to your visit.
• The best experience happens when guests are connected to at least four generations in their FamilySearch tree.
• Parents/leaders are expected to be engaged with and supervise their group to prevent abuse of the equipment and inappropriate use of computers.
  

• If you're planning a class for something other than indexing, please make sure everyone has four generations in their family tree.
• Reservations must be made by calling the Center Help Desk during business hours at 801.626.1132.

Childrens’ Group Activity:

• This program is for childrens' groups ages 7-11. They will learn what Genealogy, or Family History, is all about as they engage in various activities.
  They will receive a take-home booklet to complete with their parents.
  
• CHILDREN DO NOT NEED OR USE FAMILYSEARCH ACCOUNTS FOR THIS ACTIVITY.
  

• The group will take a photo that their leader will share privately with each child’s parent via email.
  
• Appointments are Monday through Friday between 10:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
  
• Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance.
  
• We can accommodate groups of 15 or less for each reservation.
• We ask that there be one adult for every three children and that the adults stay with the group the entire time.
  
• The activity will last about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Use this link to schedule your children's group activity. Ogden Childrens’ Group Activity Reservations

Recording Rooms:

• Have you ever wanted to hear the voice of your ancestor telling their story? Come to the Center and record a story, no reservation needed.
• We have one large (accommodates about 8 people) and two small (accommodates 2 people) recording rooms for guests to record stories and experiences.
  
• We encourage guests to come prepared with stories that can be told in less than 5 minutes. You can record multiple 5 minute segments.
  
• Stories can be saved to FamilySearch by email or text. This is a fun way to preserve and share audible family memories.
• Would you like help in preparing your short stories? Attend our class titled "How to Write Your Own Story."

Snack Bar/Serving Area:

• The Serving Area is located on the first floor and is available for groups who want to serve refreshments as part of their visit to the Center or for patrons doing research.
• A refrigerator and microwave are available for your use.
• No food is provided by the Center.
• Please ensure that any refreshments are kept in the Serving Area. Food and drinks (other than water) are prohibited in all other areas of the Center.
• We ask that those using the Serving Area thoroughly clean the area when they are done so other patrons can enjoy the facilities.
• Reservations are not required.

Childrens’ Area:

• The Children’s Play Area is located on the first floor. It is available during hours of operation. Parents must supervise their children at all times. Due to the difficulty of sterilizing toys
  between uses, if toys are desired, families should bring their own. Crayons and paper are available at the Help Desk for children to use.