Safford-Thatcher Arizona FamilySearch Center

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

The Gila Valley Arizona FamilySearch Center located in Safford, serves all of the Gila Valley. We have about 50 volunteer consultants trained and ready to help patrons who visit the Center. The Center is dedicated to providing education and support for the family history community in the Gila Valley area.

Center Contacts and Hours

Location and Map:

515 West 11th St Safford, AZ 85546 United States
Location Map

Language: English
Phone: (928)-428-7927 or (480)-293-4402

E-mail: thegilavalleyfhc@gmail.com

Open Hours

Tuesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. walk-ins welcome
Thursday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. walk-ins welcome

Tuesdays and Thursdays open for walk-ins, consultants present, no appointment needed

Any other day open by appointment

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gilavalleyfhc

Groups Welcome by Appointment: Please Call (928) 428-7927 to make arrangements.

Calendar and Events

Upcoming Events

All classes are free to attend and are held at the Gila Valley Arizona FamilySearch Center, 515 W 11th St, Safford, AZ. See our Facebook page for classes available.

Staff Training Meetings

Center Resources

Collections

We have many Local Family Histories in our library as well as books on Arizona towns and counties. All other States are represented, too.

Databases and Software

FamilySearch Center Portal This center has access to the FamilySearch Center Portal page which gives free access in the center to premium family history software and websites that generally charge for subscriptions, Including:
FamilySearch.org
Ancestry.com
Fold 3 (formerly Footnote)
My Heritage.org
AmericanAncestors.org (formerly New England Historic Genealogical Society)
World Vital Records
Godfrey Memorial Library and many other sites.
Puzzilla premium

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can use the Library's resources?
A: Any and all persons who are doing genealogical research or searching for their ancestors are welcome to use our resources.

Q: Do you proselyte at this Library?
A: No. If patrons wish to know more about our Church, we invite and encourage them to visit with our missionaries, on their own, away from the Library. Our charter by the Church is to assist and provide instruction to patrons who are searching for their ancestors.

Q: Are there any costs associated with using the Library's resources?
A: Yes. There is a nominal cost associated when making copies on our printers and copiers. There is no cost for using our computers.

Q: Why do I have to sign in?
A: We are required to submit reports on the number of patrons that use the center in order for us to justify our needs for staffing and financial support. We do not require addresses or phone numbers.

Q: What kinds of computer files should I bring into the center to work on?
A: Bring in your database BACKUP files on a Flash Drive. If you are working on a computer program other than FamilyInsight, RootsMagic, Ancestral Quest or Legacy, bring in a GEDCOM file. We do not have a computer that can read Apple/Mac files, but you can receive help if you bring in your own laptop. We do not have any PAF version earlier than 3.3.

Things to Bring With You When You Visit The FamilySearch Center

Place any records (birth/death certificates, etc.) along with names, dates, places you are aware of or have found into a box. Organize them by family surname, dates, or places. You may choose to bring a notebook with this information or actually bring the box.
We recommend you enter the knowledge you have gathered into a genealogical software program of your choice. FamilySearch has a list of approved programs. If you prefer to use Personal Ancestral File (PAF), you can now compare your data with FamilySearch Family Tree by submitting a GEDCOM.
Decide what you would like to achieve and then bring any information you already have with you. Please check the hours we are open.
Complete and bring your Pedigree Chart, Family Group Sheets or your personal genealogical data program backup file on a flash drive (memory stick) for transporting information back and forth from your home to the FamilySearch Center.
To obtain forms such as blank Pedigree Charts, Family Group Sheets and others, you may choose to go to: Charts.
If additional research help is needed, call ahead to make sure someone will be available to assist you in your search.
When coming to the Library, be sure to have a small amount of change to pay for any copies that you want.

Hardware and Equipment

13 Computers connected to the Internet for patron use.
Wi-Fi is available if you want to bring your own laptop or tablet for Family History research.
1 Copier/Scanner/Printer, black and white or color copies are available for a small fee. Our copier can scan documents and photos directly to your personal flash drive at no cost.

Center Services

Staff Research Specialties

Resources in the Local Area

Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society

2 North Main Street, Pima, Arizona 85543 (928) 485-9400

Safford City - Graham County Library

808 South 7th Avenue, Safford, Arizona 85546 (928) 432-4165

Links

For more local information see Graham County, Arizona
See also Arizona History
See also Arizona Historical Society
See also Arizona Genealogy
See also Arizona
See also Arizona Archives and Libraries
See also Arizona Genealogy Birth and Death Certificates genealogy.az.gov/
For more excellent resources see Mesa Arizona FamilySearch Center

Using the FamilySearch Research Wiki: A comprehensive video presentation explaining the Wiki, navigating it, and some especially useful pages. Case studies demonstrate using the Wiki for genealogical research. Editing and adding articles to the Wiki are covered.

Online Genealogy Records by Location

Volunteer at the Center

Individuals familiar with the familysearch/family tree program that can help patrons on a one-on-one basis.