We love learning about our family history and where our ancestors came from, so we were extra excited when they opened a Family Search Center in Lehi near our home. We have visited the Family Search Center in Salt Lake, but we were glad that there was a center more accessible for us, and everyone else in Utah County.
The Lehi Family Search Center has three main areas for people to come and use. We will explain the different areas, and share about the fun we had, too.
Research Center
There is a large search area set up with many computers for you to research historical records and find info about your direct family. There are also volunteers ready to help you look through birth certificates and census records to find the names of your heritage. The volunteers recommend bringing a thumb drive with you to collect information.
Discovery Experience
The most entertaining area for our children was the Discovery Experience, or iPad area. When you arrive at Family Search, check-in at the front desk and they will set you up on an iPad. You will need a Family Search Account, so make sure to sign-up before you come (accounts are free). You can also sign up when you arrive, but it takes a bit of time.
Once you have your iPad you can hook it into different docking areas and see where your ancestors came from, take pictures in different costumes, make connections with famous people, and see historical times when your family lived. We love exploring and learning about the different people in our family tree. Our boys love taking pictures in different time period clothing.
Recording Studios
There are a few different options for recording personal histories. There are small rooms, and one large room where you can sit with your family and answer questions. The room records everything and creates a video that is emailed to you. We liked the rooms because you can record whatever you want, or you can follow their question prompts if you need ideas. It’s a fun way to keep track of some family history happening in your home.
Extras
There are lots of extra things at the Lehi Family Search Center, too. The best one is probably the kid play area. This small area is built for young kids to play, and there are computers set up around it, so parents can work on the Family History stuff they came to do while watching their kids.
You can bring in pictures to scan and videos to transfer to DVD. They have the means to do this. There are also large classrooms if you want to bring the extended family or a youth group where they teach you how to use the Family Search website.
The volunteers are so helpful. They answer any question, as well as let you reserve areas ahead of time if you have a large group, or plan on recording some stories.
We love spending a night as a family learning together and talking about our past. If you want to get to know your family a little better, spend some time at the Lehi Family Search Center.
Directions
Lehi Family Search Center is located at 3201 Garden Drive in Lehi, Utah. The hours are Monday & Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pmÂ
Tuesday through Thursday – 9:00 am to 9:00 pmÂ
Saturday – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
