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[edit | edit source]

10000 Stoneybrook Drive

Kensington, MD 20895

Phone: 301-587-0042

Location Map: Location Map

E-mail: wdcfhc@gmail.com

Hours of Operation[edit | edit source]

Sunday.....................................................1:00 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[edit | edit source]

Free monthly Generations Newsletter

Generations is sent via email during the first week of each month. It has timely information about activities and events at our FamilySearch Center as well as research tips and links. To subscribe, please send an email to: wdcfhc@gmail.com.

Issues of Generations can be accessed here.

Washington DC FamilySearch Center Resources[edit | edit source]

16 computers, 4 with dual monitors

Bring your Laptop or Chromebook to access the Premium FamilySearch Portal while logged on to the free FamilySearch Center Wifi

High volume Photo scanner (can scan 500 photos per hour)

Flatbed scanner -- scans and edits photographs, slides, photo negatives and documents

Slide and negative scanner -- displays your digital images on a monitor which makes it easier to adjust tint and print quality before you scan slides and negatives.

Book scanner -- Scan books and magazines quickly. High resolution images that can convert text to OCR.

Library Collection -- comprehensive collection of printed books that include family histories, yearbooks, biographies, local histories, other genealogical books

FamilySearch Center Portal[edit | edit source]

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

Volunteer specialists are available to assist patrons in a variety of areas of research within the U.S. and internationally. Several of our volunteers are members of APG (Association of Professional Genealogists). If you have a specific research need, please contact us to determine how we can be of help.

Special Interest Groups[edit | edit source]

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, 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[edit | edit source]

National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC

Volunteering at the Washington DC FamilySearch Center is a great way to give back to your community,

develop new skills, and deepen your knowledge of genealogy and family history.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact the center directly.