Layton Utah FamilySearch Center/About Us

About Us
The new Layton FamilySearch Center, located at 915 West Gordon Avenue, in Layton, Utah is an immersive experience for the entire family to discover their story, explore, and share family memories as they expand the branches of their family tree.



Basic facts: ABOUT FAMILYSEARCH: FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services each year to learn more about their family history. FamilySearch offers more than 4 billion free online records at FamlySearch.org and provides personal assistance at nearly 5,000 family history centers worldwide, operating in 132 countries. FamilySearch is a non-profit family history organization dedicated to connecting families across generations.
 * This state-of-the-art FamilySearch Center, with 13,979 square feet, is uniquely designed with casual seating and collaboration areas, making it easy for families and youth groups to work together on laptops, iPads or other mobile devices. The center also has 140 computers, 60 of them with touch-screen monitors.
 * The center is open to the public with resources available at no charge (a small fee is required for printing and making photocopies). The center is staffed with helpful, friendly staff members offering free assistance to patrons. Visit the center's website for more information familysearch.org/fhc/layton.
 * Your visit will be as unique as you are. Learn about the meaning of your name, what happened the year your were born, and other fun facts. See where your family came from, view photos of family members and read their stories, all on 55" touch screen monitors. Data used for the interactive experiences is drawn from FamilySearch.org and selected partners.
 * Your family members of all ages will love exploring the Family Room and new Children's Area. Multiple generations can come and use family recording rooms to create free high-definition audio and video recordings, preserving treasured family memories. Photo and slide scanning equipment will also be available for patron use free of charge, along with the ability to convert VHS to DVD recordings.
 * A public Open House will be held Thursday, Nov 3, from 1:00-9:00 p.m.; and on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5, from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. each day.
 * Center hours will be Monday and Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
 * Planning for the Layton FamilySearch Center has been years in the development. The Church purchased the property from Weber State University in December 2011. Construction for the new FamilySearch Center began in January 2016 and was completed in August 2016. The modern design artfully represents historical aspects of Layton and its residents.
 * Four smaller family history centers in Kaysville, Clearfield, and the Layton area have been closed. Patrons will enjoy extended hours at the new facility, which will serve residents throughout Northern Davis County. The new center is supported by thirty-eight local ecclesiastical stakes.
 * 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?
 * Free classes will be offered on a daily basis. The center has three classrooms with computer labs designed for hands-on training. for class schedules and registration information visit the center's Wiki-Page. Free access to popular premium subscription sites, such as Ancestry.com, FindMyPast, My Heritage, and American Ancestors is also available.
 * It is recommended that prior to visiting, a free FamilySearch account is set up by visiting FamilySearch.org and establishing a family tree. By adding photos and stories prior to coming, your visit to the new facility will be greatly enhanced.
 * Groups visiting the center should book a reservation online to ensure that space is available.
 * Future plans include offering Boy Scout Merit Badge workshops, where scouts can complete requirements for their Genealogy merit badge and fun learning about their family.
 * The new directors, Lyle R. and Linda M. Elmore, serve under the direction of area seventy, Kyle S. McKay. Lyle is a former stake president (ecclesiastical leader) in the area. He worked in the Healthcare industry for 30 years, prior to his retirement. He also served for 13 years as a senior district executive in the local Trapper Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Linda has served in various assignments in the Church and community, and also worked as a part-time bookkeeper. Together they are the parents of six children, 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Press Articles:
 * Ogden Standard-Examiner: 3 Nov. 2016 - http://www.standard.net/Local/2016/11/03/New-Layton-FamilySearch-offers-tech-saavy-ways-to-learn-more-about-ancestors.html
 * Deseret News: 3 Nov. 2016 - http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865666328/New-FamilySearch-Center-dedicated-as-a-gathering-place-for-living-and-dead.html?pg=all
 * good4utah.com: 3 Nov. 2016 - http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/free-familysearch-center-opens-to-public-in-layton