Bear Creek Texas FamilySearch Center

The Bear Creek Texas Family History Center is an extension of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City—the world’s largest genealogical library. The Bear Creek Texas Family History Center and its friendly volunteers are dedicated to providing education and support—free of charge—to individuals, groups, and families. Come and let us help you find your ancestors and discover your story!

Center Contacts and Hours

 * English and Spanish
 * Address:16203 Longenbaugh Dr. Houston, Texas 77095
 * Use the West entrance


 * Phone: 832-428-9424 (call, leave a message or text)


 * E-mail: TX_bearcreek@familyhistorymail.org


 * Open Hours: Due to Covid restrictions we require you to call for an appointment. We will open the Center upon request. Please reserve your time 2-3 days in advance. We will have trained consultants to help you. You must follow Covid protocols: Wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, social distancing, and be healthy (non-contagious) We will allow 1-2 patrons per visit. The center will be sanitized after every use.


 * Holiday Schedule: Closed on major holidays

Class Schedule :Due to Center closure, we will reschedule these classes. Or make them available via Zoom.
====Family History Consultants will be teaching specialized classes at the Bear Creek Family History Center (2020) during the scheduled hours. Join us on Tues. March 3rd and 17th starting at 7:15 pm, we will teach about “The App” – using Family Search on your phone. On Weds. March 4th and 18th starting at 7:15 we will be teaching “Our Favorite Ancestry Tips and Tricks”. . The Bear Creek Family History Center, (please use the West entrance at the Longenbaugh building by the High Council room).====

Collections

 * FamilySearch Catalog: This center has the ability to order any of the films and fiche available through the FamilySearch Catalog.

Databases and Software

 * FHC Portal This center currently does not have access to the Family History Center Portal page which gives free access in the center to premium family history software and websites that generally charge for subscriptions. We are waiting for maintenance and updates from the FHC in Utah. We expect to have them restored and usable in September 2021. Available sites:
 * 19th Century British Newspapers
 * Access Newspaper Archives
 * Alexander Street Press (American Civil War Collections)
 * Ancestry.com (Family History Library Edition)
 * ArkivDigital Online
 * findmypast
 * Fold3.com
 * The Genealogist
 * Godfrey Memorial Library
 * HeritageQuest Online
 * Historic Map Works (Library Edition)
 * Origins.net
 * Paper Trail
 * WorldVitalRecords.com

Hardware and Equipment

 * We have 2 laptop computers and a printer connected to an Ethernet cable. The laptops have access to the Portal that opens the premium sites. There is no cost. The printer will scan your photos and documents directly to your Family Search account.

Staff Research Specialties
We are able to help you use Family Search, by getting your own account. We help you set up your family tree, and maneuver the Family Search tool. We help you search for family members.

We do have a Spanish speaking volunteer.

Volunteer at the Center
''We need current FH consultants to help during the hours of operation. We are hoping to open another evening during the week for patrons. Community help would also be welcomed.''