Rochester Minnesota FamilySearch Center



The FamilySearch Center Is Open for Regular Hours of Operation

Hours of Regular Operation
Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday - 9 a.m. to noon & 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Other times by appointment - Leave a Message with Your Number at 507.281.6641  or   E-mail MN_Rochester@familyhistorymail.org

Hand sanitizer is provided; counter surfaces and computer keyboard & mouse are disinfected before and after use.

Center Contacts and Holiday Schedule

 * Location Map: Location Map


 * Address:  2300 Viola Heights Dr., Rochester, MN 55901


 * Enter through NORTHEAST doors and ring bell on wall if inner doors are locked


 * HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2023 - We are closed for the following:
 * Independence Day:                       Closed the Week of July 4
 * Thanksgiving and Nativity Event: Closed the Week of Nov 19 and the Week of Nov 26
 * Christmas and New Years:           Closed the Week of Dec 25 and the Week of Jan 1 2024
 * Inclement Weather:                     Closed with Rochester Public Schools
 * If they are closed, we are closed. If they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.
 * Inclement Weather:                     Closed with Rochester Public Schools
 * If they are closed, we are closed. If they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.
 * If they are closed, we are closed. If they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.

ROOTS TECH CONFERENCE - March 2 - 4, 2023
SOURCING BASICS This video is targeted at the beginning genealogist or family historian. It is likely also useful to individuals who need a refresher on the "What - Why - and How" of source citation.

Local Resources

 * History Center of Olmsted County
 * Rochester Public Library Genealogy Collection
 * Gale Family Library - St. Paul MN
 * Hoffman Research Library - Mendota Heights, MN
 * Olmsted County Genealogy Society
 * Minnesota Genealogical Society
 * Minnesota Historical Society
 * Minnesota Historical Society

Helpful LINKS

 * Genealogy Topics on YouTube
 * Genealogy BLOG (United States Only)
 * Ancestral Findings Podcast
 * Genealogy Gems Podcast by Lisa Louise Cooke
 * Genealogy Guys BLOG
 * Extreme Genes Podcast
 * Family Tree Magazine Podcast
 * Google Newspaper Archive (obits - death notices - historic articles)

Staff Research Specialties

 * Ancestry.com: regular hours or by appointment
 * British Isles: by appointment
 * Personal Database Creation or Conversion: Wednesdays 7 to 9 p.m. or by appointment ask for Paul
 * French: by appointment ask for Sharon
 * German: Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment ask for Lynn
 * Illinois Vital Records; Photo or book publication: by appointment ask for Tiffany
 * Mennonite, Scotland, New Jersey: by appointment ask for Melissa
 * Native American: by appointment ask for Valerie
 * Norwegian or Swedish: by appointment ask for Andrea
 * New York, New England, French Canadian: Wednesdays 7p.m. to 9 p.m. ask for Louis
 * Swedish / Finnish: by appointment ask for Marjatta
 * U.S. Land Records & Wills Before 1850: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 or by appointment ask for Lorraine

Volunteer at the Center

We are always looking for volunteers who can help:


 * Assist Others with Their Family History
 * Staff the Center
 * Teach Classes

Leave a message on our phone system if you are interested in volunteering.