Oakland California FamilySearch Center/Resources
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70+ Computers
Free premium genealogical sites at the FHC Portal:
- AmericanAncestors.org (New England Historic Genealogical Society-NEHGS)
- Ancestry.com (Largest commercial genealogy site)
- Archion (German Lutheran Church Records)
- Arkivdigital (Swedish Database)
- Find My Past (Commercial Genealogy Site- strong in British Isles, Australian, and Canadian records)
- Fold3 (Specialty in Military records)
- GenealogyBank.com (Newspapers)
- My Heritage (Commercial Genealogy Site - strong in European records)
- Newspapers.com (Newspapers)
Additional Capabilities:
- Genealogy database software: Ancestral Quest, Legacy, RootsMagic
- Research aids such as HistoryGeo
- Research databases as Acadian-Cajun Family Trees, Australian Vital Records, Mormon Immigration Index
- LibreOffice for word processing, spreadsheet and presentation preparation
- Photo editing software: IrfanView, HP Photo Smart Essential, MGI Photo Suite, ACD Foto Slate
- Microfilm ScanPro Digitizing Equipment
Classrooms Available for Reservation. Call (510) 531-3905
Computer Lab available for group classes, Temple & Family History Consultants and others
- Capacity: 14 class members each with computer for hands-on learning
- Teaching station with computer and a projector to large screen
- Printer access for all stations
Learning Center
- Capacity: 50 class members
- Includes an extra-large screen, projector and teaching station with computer for the instructor
- Printer access
Digitizing Stations
- Scanning & digitizing photos, photo albums, negatives, slides, and books (USB drives available)
- Microfilm & Microfiche reading and digitizing
- Shot Box for photographing 3-D heirlooms; 16" X 16" X 16"
Books, Maps, and Resources of Local & International Interest
The library has an 8,000-volume family history book collection, including a Special Collections section.
Resources of local interest:
- Alameda County Obituary Card File 1985-2002: an alphabetical card file containing more than 35,000 obituaries clipped from Alameda County newspapers (95% from the "Alameda Times Star")
- California Mission Records: microfilmed copies of original mission records dating from the 1770s to the early 1900s
Resources of international interest:
- Growing collection of church records from the Azores
- Records of births, marriages and deaths from Tonga. These typescript copies of vital records in Tonga date from the late 1860's to 1942
- City Directories - extensive collection across many parts of the United States
Discovery Center
The Discovery Center engages individuals interactively with their family history and heritage.
Utilizing one of eight 55 inch touch screens, five fun and educational activities are available.
Over 20 additional activities are available on FamilySearch.org and on the
"FamilySearch Family Tree" App under Family History Activities in the drop-down menu.
Click on any image below and you will be taken to the website page.
All About Me
Learn about the meaning of your first and last name, what happened in your birth year, and other fun facts.
Where Am I From
See where your family came from, view photos of family members and read their stories.
My Famous Relatives
Patrons can learn how they are related to famous people. Did their ancestors sail on the Mayflower?
Do they descend from famous Americans, such as the Founding Fathers, or U.S. Presidents?
Are they related to church leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Picture My Heritage
Connect to your heritage. Add your face to historical photos and dress of the times.
Compare A Face
Compare your face to your relatives' faces, and see who you most resemble.
As these activities utilize data from FamilySearch.org, in order to enhance your Discovery Center experience,
consider doing the following before coming to the Library:
1. If you already have a FamilySearch account, be sure to bring your account username and password.
2. If you do not have an account, you may set up one by clicking on the link below.
3. If you prefer, library staff can assist you to set up an account when you arrive.
Lunchroom & Family/Children's Area
Pictured below is a lunchroom facility for patron use, which includes a refrigerator, microwave and toaster oven. Also pictured is a designated area for small children to play.
Finally, the EXPERTISE of our staff. Contact us & see if we can help! (510) 531-3905