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


Rochester Minnesota Family History Center

We serve the southeast Minnesota area.  Help available to all researchers.


RochesterMN FHC .jpg



WELCOME to the Family History Center!

Family History Assistance is available when you leave a phone or email message.
Phone: 507-281-6641 (or 801 263-1637)
E-mail: MN_Rochester@familyhistorymail.org


Current Items of Note

COVID Precautions Currently Include the Following Guidelines and Recommendations

  1. Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need wear masks. Those who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask.
  2. Social distancing is still encouraged whenever possible.
  3. Good hygiene is requested as regular use of hand sanitizer or washing along with use of disinfecting keyboard, mouse and counter surfaces before and after use.
  4. Group size is limited to 25 people or less at a given time.

Family History Center Portal Access Currently Inactive

Normal hours of access to the Family History Center have been suspended.

Portal access and films normally available for view only at the Center are unavailable.

It is anticipated this will take up to 90 days to complete.

ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE WHEN YOU LEAVE A PHONE OR EMAIL MESSAGE AS INDICATED ABOVE

Thank-you for Your Patience and Understanding


COVID Precautions Currently Include the Following Guidelines and Recommendations

  1. Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need wear masks. Those who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask.
  2. Social distancing is still encouraged whenever possible.
  3. Good hygiene is requested as regular use of hand sanitizer or washing along with use of disinfecting keyboard, mouse and counter surfaces before and after use.
  4. Group size is limited to 25 people or less at a given time.


Center Contacts and Hours

Location Map: Location Map
Address: 2300 Viola Heights Dr., Rochester, MN 55901
  • Enter through NORTHEAST doors and ring bell on wall if inner doors are locked.


OPEN HOURS :
  • Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to Noon and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Other by Appointment -- Leave a Message with Your Number on Phone Listed Above or Reply to the E-mail Above.


HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2021 - We are closed for the following:
Thanksgiving and Nativity Event: Closed the Week of Nov 22 and the Week of Dec 1
Christmas and New Years: Closed the Week of Dec 20 and the Week of Dec 27
Inclement Weather: Closed with Rochester Public Schools--If they are closed, we are closed, if they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.


Training & Education Videos


ROOTS TECH CONFERENCE -- ALL YEAR FREE ACCESS!!


SOURCING BASICS
This video is targeted at the beginning genealogist or family historian.
It is likely also useful to individuals who need a refresher on the "What - Why - and How" of source citation.


Local Resources

Rochester Public Library Genealogy Collection
Olmsted County Genealogy Society
History Center of Olmsted County
Minnesota Genealogical Society
Minnesota Historical Society


Helpful LINKS

Genealogy Topics on YouTube
Genealogy BLOG (United States Only)
Ancestral Findings Podcast
Genealogy Gems Podcast by Lisa Louise Cooke
Genealogy Guys BLOG
Extreme Genes Podcast
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter
Family Tree Magazine Podcast
Google Newspaper Archive (obits - death notices - historic articles)



Resources and Equipment

  • 7 computers -printer enabled
  • 2 microfilm readers
  • 1 microfiche reader
  • 1 microfilm printer


Staff Research Specialties

Ancestry.com: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 or by appointment
U.S. Before 1850: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 or by appointment
British Isles: by appointment
French: by appointment ask for Sharon
German: by appointment ask for Lynn
Norwegian or Swedish: by appointment ask for Andrea
Native American: by appointment ask for Valerie
Illinois Vital Records, ancestry.com: by appointment ask for Tiffany
Mennonite, Scotland, New Jersey: by appointment ask for Melissa


Upcoming Or Local Events

NorthStar Genealogy Conference - October 1 & 2 2021

Volunteer at the Center

We are always looking for volunteers who can help:

Assist Others with Their Family History
Staff the Center
Teach Classes

Leave a message on our phone system if you are interested in volunteering.