Naperville Illinois FamilySearch Center: Difference between revisions

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m (Updated lists and equipment)
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| Announcement Title = Where We Are
| Announcement Title = Where We Are
| Announcement Content =  
| Announcement Content =  
[[File:Naperville IL FHC outside entrance.jpg|300px]]
 


'''We are located at 1320 Ridgeland Ave., Naperville, IL 60563'''
'''We are located at 1320 Ridgeland Ave., Naperville, IL 60563'''
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| Announcement Title = Microfilm, Books and other materials
| Announcement Title = Microfilm, Books and other materials
| Announcement Content =  
| Announcement Content =  
NOTE: The listings of microfilms and books that can be found at the Naperville FSC is being revised. An updated list will be posted as soon as possible.  
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.
'''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.  
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:
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Rj5Uc78jW57A1v2HXHf1sO8S3MxtK0j/view?usp=sharing Listings of Microfilm at Naperville FHC]]





Revision as of 15:24, 13 March 2024

Naperville IL FHC outside banner.jpg

Discover - Gather - Connect

On March 4, 2024, the Naperville FamilySearch Center will be MOVING! We will be in the SAME BUILDING but in another room.

The new entrance will be on the East side of the building rather than in the back. There will be signs on the door.

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 MICROFILMS or books until after May 2024.

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

Naperville IL FHC Lawn sign.jpg

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

Naperville IL FHC inside.jpg

  • 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
  • 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 your 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. Please 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: Anita can help on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays 3:00-6:00pm.
  • GERMANY: Ask for Uschi, who is also fluent in GERMAN, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays 6:00-9:00pm.
  • GERMANY and POLAND: See Joe (not available until 20 April 2024) on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays 9:00am-1:00p.
  • IRELAND AND GERMANY: Nickey can help on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays 3:00-6:00pm, as well as every Thursday 12:00-3:00pm.
  • IRISH and DANISH research: Ask for Pat on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays 12:00-3:00 pm.
  • MEXICO and Spanish: See Mariana, who is also fluent in Spanish, every Wednesday 5:00-9:00pm.
  • POLAND, NEW ENGLAND and the MIDWEST (Chicago Roman Catholic church records and passenger list records): Jerry can help every Thursday 3:00-6:00pm. He can also help with identifying POLISH, RUSSIAN and LATIN records.
  • SWEDEN, DENMARK, IRELAND, ILLINOIS and MINNESOTA records: 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:

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:

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).