Fresno California East FamilySearch Center

Center Contacts and Hours
Location Map:


 * Google Maps

Address:


 * 1880 Gettysburg Avenue, Clovis CA 93611, United States

Language:


 * English

Phone:


 * (559) 291-2448

E-mail:


 * [mailto:CA_FresnoEast@ldsmail.net FresnoEast@ldsmail.net]

Center Director


 * Steve Mecham, (559) 291-7363, [mailto:steve_phs@hotmail.com steve_phs@hotmail.com]

Hours of Operation:


 * Tuesday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
 * Wednesday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
 * Thursday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Holiday Schedule:


 * Closed: December 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29. Reopens January 3, 2017.

Top of Page

Calendar and Events
Fresno East Stake Family History Consultant Training

7:00 PM, Sunday, To Be Announced, 2017, Family History Center, 1880 Gettysburg Ave, Clovis

No meeting in December 2016

Topic: To be announced...

RootsTech 2016 Video Archive
'''DID YOU MISS THE ROOTSTECH 2016 CONFERENCE? Check out below for links to the video archive list and also for selected syllabi from the conference.'''

'''NOTE: All the links below will take you to the RootsTech 2016 Video Archive page, but you will have to find the desired video and click on the picture to view it. Sorry for the inconvenience.'''


 * What's New in Family Tree for 2016by Ron Tanner 


 * 7 Unique Technologies for Genealogy Discoveries by Mike Mansfield


 * Using the Genealogical Proof Standard for Success by James Ison


 * Best Websites and Apps for Finding Local History by Amy Crow


 * Proven Methodology for Using Google for Genealogy by Lisa Louise Cooke 


 * Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch.orgby Robert Kerher


 * My Ancestors Are From Britain -- What Do I Do Next? by Myko Clelland 


 * History in a Digital Future by Sharleen Reyes


 * Become a Master Searcher on Ancestry by Anne Mitchell


 * Photos—Emerging Technologies in Photographyby Jens Nielsen


 * Cemetery Crowdsourcing by Michael Cassara

Selected Syllabi from RootsTech 2016

 * Cemetery Crowdsourcing by Michael Cassara


 * Digging for Ancestors at the Bureau of Land Management Website by Michelle Goodrum


 * Facts, Photos, and Fugitives, Using On Line Newspapersby Scott M. Spencer 


 * Hispanic Research Methodology by Arturo Cuellar


 * Inferential Genealogy: Deducing Ancestors' Identities Indirectlyby Thomas W. Jones


 * More Than Just Names: Advanced Research US Census Research by Judy G. Russell


 * Overlooked Clues in US Census Records by Juliana Szucs


 * Paleography: Tips for Reading Old Handwritingby Kip Sperry


 * State Archives &amp; Libraries: Free Online Sources by Kory L. Meyerink


 * The Best Beginning Scandinavian Websites Update by Anita Olsen 


 * U.S. Military Pension Applications by Loretta Evans


 * What is Special about U.S. Special Census Schedulesby Sunny Morton

RootsTech 2015 Video Archive - General Interest Classes

 * Keynote Session  by Dennis Brimhall, Mike Mallin, Tan Le  (1:31)
 * 30 Pieces of Tech I Can't Live Without  by D. Joshua Taylor  (:58)
 * You've Mastered the Census and Basic Search, What Next?  by Karen Auman (:44)
 * What's New at FamilySearch  by Devin Ashby  (1:01)
 * Getting Started in Genetic Genealogy  by Diahan Southard  (:44)
 * Building a Genealogy Research Toolbox  by Thomas MacEntee  (:43)
 * Bring Your Ancestor Back to the Future  by Anne Leishman  (:48)
 * The Write Stuff. Leaving a Recorded Legacy: Personal Histories, Journals, Diaries, and Letters  by Valerie Elkins  (:55)
 * Family History on the Go Using Phones and Tablet Apps  by Rhonna Farrer, Crystal Beutler'  (:53)
 * Personal History Triage: How to Tell the Best Ten Stories of Your Life  by Alison Taylor  (:56)
 * Finding Your Family On Newspapers.com  by Peter Drinkwater  (:48)
 * Consultant Training: Using FamilySearch Partners  by Craig Miller  (:56)
 * FamilySearch Family Tree 2014 and Beyond by Ron Tanner  (1:00)
 * Getting the Most Out of Ancestry.com  by Crista Cowan, Juliana Szucs  (:46)
 * Discover New Research Opportunities with the MyHeritage and FamilySearch Partnership by Mark Olsen  (:55)
 * Finding the Living Among the Dead: Using the Internet to Find Your Living Cousins by Amy Archibald (:52)

RootsTech 2015 Video Archive - LDS Classes

 * Branching Out: Useful tools to help you find more names in your family tree (Handout)
 * Find Names and Strengthen Your Family with the My Family Booklet (Handout)
 * Finding Missing People in your Family Trees (Handout)
 * Consultant Training - Different People, Different Trees: Teaching to Individual Needs (Handout)
 * and many more!

The above classes may be viewed from the RootsTech 2015 Video Archive website

New On Line Family History Consultant Training
This course has six different modules to be completed by the new consultant.

Click here to view the course menu of the following:


 * 1) Understand Your Purpose: Find, Take, Teach (15 minutes)
 * 2) Start your Family Tree (15 minutes)
 * 3) Grow Your family Tree (15 minutes)
 * 4) Find Your Cousins (15 minutes)
 * 5) Turn the Hearts (15 minutes)
 * 6) Teach others (30 minutes) . All newly called Ward family history consultants should complete this on line training

Link: New Consultant Training

FamilySearch Learning Center
Did you know that you can take courses on how to do family history research right here on FamilySearch.org? These courses are but one of our hidden gems.

Our new Learning Center makes it easier for you to find courses of interest to you. You can search by keywords and use filters. The Learning Center also highlights recommended and popular courses.

Learning Center

Staff Training Meetings
Fresno East Stake Family History Consultant Training

7:00 PM, Sunday,To be announced, 2017, Family History Center, 1880 Gettysburg Ave, Clovis

No meeting in December 2016

Topic: To be announced...

Top 10 Things to Learn
Here are the Top 10 Things that every consultant needs to know and be able to teach Family History and to be effective Family History Consultants.

Discovering My Eternal Family
Discovering My Eternal Family: Find, Take, Teach - Choose a strategy based on the size of your family tree to find names.

Helping Others to Love Family History - A resource to prepare a personalized lesson plan that will help a family or individual have a Find, Take, Teach experience.

Top of Page

How-to Resources for Family History Consultants

 * How to Use the Cannon 300 Microfilm Scanner (PDF)


 * How to Retrieve LDS User Names and Reset Passwords (PDF)


 * How to Order Microfilms Online Using FamilySearch.org (PDF)


 * How to Contact FamilySearch Technical Support (PDF)

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 has 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.

Hardware and Equipment

 * Our Family History Center has 18 separate computer stations; one microfilm copier; two microfilm readers; one microfiche reader, and a copy/scanning machine.


 * Thanks to the efforts of Dennis McCauley and Bill Holden, we have one of the best family history centers in the Fresno Region. The Stake has recently increased the capacity of our internet bandwidth so our computers are able to connect much quicker to family history websites than in the past.


 * Due to the large number of individual computer stations, our Center offers an excellent facility to bring groups of ten to fifteen individuals at a time for family history training. We would request that if your Priesthood Quorum, or mutual class, or other organization bring in a group for training purposes, that you call Brother Steve Mecham, the Family History Center Director, at (559) 291-7363, so that we can schedule adequate staff to assist patrons on a one-to-one basis. For youth groups, we request that the youth have their LDS accounts set up before coming to the Family History Center so that time may be more fully devoted to helping them find names to take to the temple rather than setting up their accounts. Both LDS.org and familysearch.org use the same username and password, so only one account is needed.  Top of Page

Staff Research Specialists

 * Mark and Cathy McOmber, Stake Indexing Directors, (559) 294-9137
 * Elder David Grenier, FamilySearch Support Missionary, works Thursday night at FHC, (559) 297-1345, [mailto:grenida@pacbell.net grenida@pacbell.net]
 * Rebecca Shiner, Eastern Prussia, Great Britain Research, (559) 346-1390
 * Leon Papin, French Canadian Research, (559) 346-9620
 * Jane Moffitt, Great Britain Research, works Tuesday mornings at FHC, (559) 412-4267
 * Bill Vaughn, Fresno East Stake FHC printing specialist, works Thursday nights at FHC, (559) 298-8345
 * Bill and Patty Vaughn, Fresno East Stake Family History Consultant Trainers, (559) 298-8345
 * Jana Last, Family History Blogger specialist, (559) 291-6375
 * Steve Mecham, Ancestry.com Research, works Wednesday evenings at FHC, (559) 291-7363
 * Jan Gedtis, Tenn, North Carolina, Virgina, DAR genie, Legacy software, works Wednesday, (559) 875-3409
 * Carolee Hansen, New England, PA, Mayflower and DAR, Legacy software, works T, W, Thurs, (559) 301-5585
 * Carmen Zarco, Hispanic Research, (559) 618-2568, [mailto:mczarco@yahoo.com mczarco@yahoo.com]

Top of Page

Local Resources
Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society of Central California

Our Mission: Our commitment to the African and African American community is to increase historical identification to families of African descent by building relationships with local and national historians. As well to continue promoting scholarly research and networking common to African Americans.

Our Goals: Our goal is to bring awareness of African-American History through.... ... and to preserve the history and heritage of the people in the Central Valley of African descent Contact information: Denise Lancaster-Young, President P.O. Box 9161 Fresno, California, 93790 Phone: (559) 213-7602 e-mail: [mailto:aahgscc@gmail.com aahgscc@gmail.com]
 * Research
 * Study
 * Collaboration
 * Documentation

Website

Daughters of the American Revolution Motto: God, Home and Country Objectives: Historic Preservation, Patriotism, Education Eligibility: Women, age 18 or more, who can prove lineal, blood line descent from an ancestor who helped achieve American Independence.

Acceptable Service: • Signer of Declaration of Independence • Patriotic Service (varied) • Military Service from 19 April 1775 to 26 November 1783 • Civil Service under authority of Provisional or New State Governments Local Contact: Corky Peterson Phone: 559-322-1743 E-mail: [mailto:corksterr@att.net corksterr@att.net] National Website: www.dar.org

Mayflower Society Any person able to document their descent from one or more of the following Mayflower Pilgrims is eligible to apply for membership in the Mayflower Society:

The San Joaquin Colony meets three times a year in the city of Fresno, California. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Mayflower Society, please contact: San Joaquin Colony Corky Peterson [mailto:Corksterr@att.net Corksterr@att.net] 559-322-1743

National website: www.themayflowersociety.org

Sons of the American Revolution The Sons of the American Revolution is the leading male lineage society that perpetuates the ideals of the war for independence. As a historical, educational, and patriotic, non-profit corporation organized under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, we seek to maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism, respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, and the unifying force of “e pluribus unum” that was created from the people of many nations—one nation and one people. For more information about the Fresno Chapter of SAR please contact: Rob Bell, (559) 240-6044, [mailto:owenbell76@gmail.com owenbell76@gmail.com] Jim Dane [mailto:jimbodane@yahoo.com jimbodane@yahoo.com] National website: www.sar.org

American Historical Society of Germans From Russia

Their purpose is purely historical by doing genealogical research of our German from Russia forefathers, as well as reuniting with living relatives, recording and preserving historical facts.

Genealogy Research Library and Museum

Library Hours: Tuesday to Friday 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., Closed Saturday to Monday

Tours and/or Personal Research by appointment

Central California Chapter, 3233 N. West Ave, Fresno, CA 93705-3402

Phone: (559) 229-8287 Email: [mailto:info@ahsgrfc-centralcal.org info@ahsgrfc-centralcal.org]

Website

The Heritage Center ~San Joaquin Valley Heritage and Genealogical Center

Central Branch - 2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA. (559) 600-6230

Hours:


 * Monday - Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
 * Friday, Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
 * Sunday 12 noon to 5:00 pm

Resources:


 * California vital record indexes, censuses Great Registers


 * City Directories and Telephone Books for Fresno and more


 * Obituary File


 * Yearbooks from local area schools and colleges


 * Online resources including ancestry library edition


 * Newspapers: local and California dating back to the 1850s


 * Maps: Fresno, San Joaquin Valley and parts of California


 * Postcard and Photograph collection


 * William Saroyan Collection


 * Oral Histories

For a more complete list of Resources, visit their website.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers

C.L. Fancher Camp meets in Clovis on the third Thursday at noon.

Lydia McCauley Camp meets in Fresno on the 2nd Thursday at 10:30 am.

Camp Sugar Pine meets in Oakhurst on the 2nd Monday at noon.

For more information, contact Sonja Kland, (559) 224-5236

International Society of Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 300 N. Main, Salt Lake City, UT 84103-1699

Website

 Fresno County Genealogical Society

P.O. Box 1429, Fresno, CA 93716-1429; (559) 600-6230

FCGS meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month in Feb-July, Sept and Nov. at 6:30 pm in the Woodward Park Library, 944 E. Perrin (at Champlain), Fresno.

Meetings feature speakers on a variety of topics of genealogical and historical interest.

Website

Vasa Order of America

The Vasa Order of America was organized in 1895 as a benevolent group for Swedish immigrants. Now over 100 years old, the role has evolved into a fraternal organization, which provides a social focal point to preserve and foster the Scandinavian heritage. the order provides not only a social setting for the gathering of Scandinavians, but also provides cultural programs, craft groups, music and dancing, language classes, scholarships, celebrations of holidays and traditions, and an official Vasa new publication. Membership is open to all persons of Scandinavian birth, ancestry, or affiliation by marriage.

Vasa Norden Lodge #684

The Vasa local lodge covering the central San Joaquin Valley is Norden Lodge #684. Visitors are welcome at our meetings. Although meetings are usually held on the first Friday of each month, we suggest that you call ahead to confirm the specific meeting time and location.

For further information please contact Corky or Mike Peterson at:

[mailto:corksterr@att.net corksterr@att.net]

[mailto:Mike@mikaelpeterson.net Mike@mikaelpeterson.net]

[mailto:corky@mikaelpeterson.net corky@mikaelpeterson.net]

''' Want to make a donation to the Church History Library? '''

Contact Church History Library Donations;

Acquisitions hotline 1-801-240-5696. Will accept journals, manuscripts, books, letters, museum items with historical value with LDS content. E-mail inquiries to: [mailto:churchhistoryacquisitions@ldschurch.org churchhistoryacquisitions@ldschurch.org]

 BLOG CENTER = FAMILYSEARCH BLOG CENTER

FamilySearch Blog What's new in FamilySearch!

[https://familysearch.org/blog/en/index-marriage-records/ '''Join the Cause! Index Every Marriage Record in the United States'''] - The U.S. Marriages Project, a joint initiative between FindMyPast.com and FamilySearch.org, is actively working to save the marriage records from every state in the United States.

141 Million New Ancestor Hints Added to FamilySearch Family Tree

FamilySearch: Past, Present, and Future

3 Reasons German Research Is Easier Than You Think

5 Online Resources to Help You Find Your Immigrant Ancestors

5 Tips for Finding Your British Ancestors

5 Simple Ways to Add Details to Your Family Story

New Features: Search Genealogy Records on the Web's Largest Sites

On the Person Page of each of your ancestors in FamilySearch Family Tree there are now three additional genealogy sites you can access for a genealogy records search.

In addition to FamilySearch (naturally) you will find logos for three of the largest family history websites, Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, and MyHeritage.com. A simple click on any of the logos takes you to that site and initiates a global search of that site’s records. When you arrive at the site, you are already looking at the results of your search. Search results are based on whatever information you have for that person in FamilySearch Family Tree, so names, birth date, spouse name, etc. It is a simple and efficient way to search vast databases of genealogically relevant information with a single click.

Go to FamilySearch Family Tree and try it out on our own person page. From there you can jump around to ancestors and try searching genealogy records on the other sites to see what you can find. This is bound to speed up your research, and you just might discover records you have never seen before.

Top of Page

National Government Genealogical Resources
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
 * The National Archives: Resources for Genealogists
 * Guidelines for Using Historical Records in the National Archives
 * Using Civilian Records for Genealogical Research in the National Archives Washington DC Area
 * National Archives for the United States
 * Regional Archives, Pacific Region, San Francisco
 * Request for Military Records
 * US Military Pension Record Applications
 * Digging for Ancestors at the Bureau of Land Management Website
 * Overlooked Clues in US Census Records

A little known program of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides genealogy information that may be difficult or impossible to obtain elsewhere. The records include naturalization files, visa applications, and citizenship tests, and may reveal family secrets and mysteries. In addition to relatives, historians or researchers can also request files.

Under the USCIS Genealogy Program, which started in 2008, requests are usually completed within 30 days. The government will run a search of the name, as long as the person is deceased. If there are records available, the government charges additional fees for the files. The fee for a record copy from microfilm identified as (M) is $20 per request. The fee for a copy of a hard copy file identified as (HC) is $35 per request. More information about the fees associated with each file series may be found at USCIS Government History Genealogy Records.

The documents typically include immigration information, often (but not always) including exact hometowns in their ancestors native countries. The files often have information on brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles. Many times it is useful to obtain the records of your uncles, aunts, and cousins who also immigrated from "the old country."

If the immigrant applied for American citizenship, the details are also included in these files. For anyone of Japanese, German, or Italian origin who lived in the United States during World War II, the documents often include FBI reports about the person's activities, including friends, family, and political activities.

For more information about the program, check out USCIS Government Genealogy.

FamilySearch Hispanic Research Resources

 * Relatives Masked in the Indexes of Ancestry (English) taught by Debbie Gurtler, AG and Katrina E. Morales (Video, 40:21) Click here for a 4-page Handout (PDF)


 * Improve your Search Results in FamilySearch Hispanic Records (English) taught by Debbie Gurtler, AG (Video, 50:44)


 * Familiares enmascarados en los indices de Ancestry.mx (español) taught by Katrina E. Morales (Video, 45:39)


 * Online Resources for México (PDF)


 * Improve Your Search results in FamilySearch Hispanic records by Debbie Gurtler, AG (PDF)

FamilySearch Partner Websites
LDS Church Members - Create your personal accounts with Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, MyHeritage.com, and AmericanAncestors.com for FREE. Go to Familysearch Partner Access to get your free LDS accounts. For more information on how to use your free accounts, go to the FamilySearch Help Center.

books.familysearch.org  Discover unknown ancestors in a collection of over 20,000 digitized family and local history publications from around the world. Preserve your printed family history for generations and share it without making paper copies. When you use scan-on-demand, you keep the original and FamilySearch makes a high-quality digital copy and preserves it no matter how technology changes. Questions? send an e-mail to [mailto:books@familysearch.org books@familysearch.org]

Download free e-book "48 Ancestry.com Research Tips" from Family Tree University at: Free e-Book: 48 Ancestry.com Search Tips

The Family History Guide
What is "The Family History Guide"? The Family History Guide is a new website that represents a best-in-class learning environment for family history. Its scope is broad, but its focus is narrow enough to help you achieve your goals, step by step. Whether you're brand new to family history or a seasoned researcher - or somewhere in between - The Family History Guide can be your difference maker.

Unique features you'll find on the site:

Over 350 Goals for learning, supported by over 600 flexible Choices


 * Step-by-step instructions to make learning easier
 * Links to over 1,000 videos and articles from FamilySearch, Ancestry, and more
 * Quick-links to search records from multiple sources
 * Project Tracker sheets and Classroom materials for self-study or group instruction

Check out the website at: The Family History Guide

Turning Hearts to the Father Discovery Day 2016 Event
"'Turning Hearts to the Fathers" Discovery Day'"

Fresno California East Stake Center, 1880 Gettysburg Ave, Clovis, CA

Saturday, February 27, 2016

8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Goals of this event:

1. To ignite the Spirit of Elijah in the Hearts of the patrons as they participate in this event.

2. Emphasize how much easier family history work has become, everyone can do it!

3. Emphasize the role of the family history consultant as the "go to person" who can do one-on-one training with the individual member.

4. Have something available for every member of the family.

Register Online

For full details about the event and to register, visit our new Turning Hearts to the Fathers" Discovery Day website. Click on the REGISTER button to register and sign-up for classes.

For assistance on using the website, see the step-by-step tutorial, starting on page 7.

Schedule of Events, Map, Exhibitors

Click here for the Schedule, map and list of Exhibitors

Class Syllabi

For Mary Moore's class, Introduction to Family Tree and New Hints:


 * Family Tree: A Quick Start Guide
 * Records Hints
 * FamilySearch Family Tree Guide

Putting Photos/Documents as Memories in FamilySearch Family Tree by Bill Vaughn

How to Get the Most Out of Your Free LDS Ancestry.com Account by Steve Mecham

What is the Freedmen's Bureau Records Indexing Project?

Indexing Freedmen's Bureau Records

Computers 101 - Using Computers for Family History by Dave Grenier

Introduction to Genetic Genealogy Emma Young summarizing Diahan Southard

Find a Grave Beginner handout by J.C. Forester

Find a Grave Quickee handout by J.C. Forester

Finding Names to Take to the Temple

My Work is All Done- a PowerPoint presentation by Steve Mecham

Print Family Ordinance Cards at Home by Jim Ericson

Family History Blogs and Social Mediaby Jana Last

Genealogy Software Programs for PCsby Robert Givens

Uploading and Changing Pictures in Family Tree

Introduction to Hispanic Research

Submitting Names for Temple Ordinances by Jane Loveland Moffitt

Usage of other Family History Partner Websites by Jane Loveland Moffitt

MyHeritage.com - a 4-page handout by Riverton FamilySearch Library

FindMyPast.com - a 4-page handout by Riverton FamilySearch Library

Ancestry.com - a 6-page handout by Riverton FamilySearch Library

My Family History Passport

Fresno West Stake 30-day Challenge and Discovery Day 2016
Syllabi

Discover Your Family Day
Syllabus, Prepared by participants of the event from the Fresno, Fresno East, and Fresno West Stakes, held at the Fresno West Stake Center, May 16, 2015.

Mary Moore's Corner
These are links to several handouts used by Mary in her family history classes, prepared by Riverton FamilySearch Library.


 * FamilySearch Family Tree
 * Ancestry.com
 * FindmyPast.com
 * MyHeritage.com
 * TheFHGuide.com
 * Printing family group records in Family Tree addressed
 * Creating fan or orher charts with TreeSeek.com
 * Merging Duplicate Records in Family Tree
 * Search Tools in Family Tree
 * Adding and Attaching Sources in Family Tree
 * Family Search Tips- Handout
 * Soundex, Wildcards, and Other Search Options, with the Barefoot Genealogist, Crista Cowan

Computer Tips and Tricks by Dave Grenier

 * Computers 101 - Using Computers for Family History Presented at Turning Hearts to the Father Discovery Day, 27 Feb 2016
 * Computers 101a Presented at Sierra Vista Ward Sunday School, 27 March 2016
 * Computer Tips and Tricks for Family History Presented at Clovis Ward Sunday School, 15 May 2016
 * Reset FamilySearch.org cookies - This will remove your FamilySearch.org cookies and should be done monthly.

Family History Learning
Family History Learning, presented by Oakland Family History Center with an emphasis on being easy and logical so you can quickly become proficient in basic techniques and thus move towards becoming an advanced researcher. In addition, consultants, staff and teachers will find new and useful tools that will help them with their own teaching and research techniques.

BYU Relative Finder
BYU Relative Finder is a website where you can see how you are related to other Fresno area stake members, and even the world. Discover connections between you, presidents, prophets, famous people, and your families.

Go to www.relativefinder.org Sign in with your FamilySearch username and password, then click Groups and Join. Type "fresno" to search for groups in Fresno, then click the Search button. Click the Add button by the group you want to join. Type the group password from the table below, then click the Join button. You can join more than one group. Have fun exploring Relative Finder!

(Group names and passwords verified 12/17/15. dg)

BYU 48th Annual Conference on Family History and Genealogy
View syllabus for the July 26-29, 2016 Conference 644 pages (PDF)

"5 Minute Genealogy" Video Series
Episode  1: Quick Start 

Episode  2: The Research Process

Episode  3: Record What You Know

Episode  4: Learn from Family

Episode  5: Choose an Ancestor and Question  

Episode  6: Locate Where Your Ancestor Lived

Episode  7: Records, an Introduction

Episode  8: Find a Record

Episode  9: Using Indexes to Find a Record

Episode 10: Using Name Variations to Find a Record

Episode 11: Find Help from Others Online

Episode 12: Write It Down

Episode 13: Organize Your Records

Episode 14: Understand how records are created

Episode 15: Share with Others

Episode 16: Completing Your Research

Episode 17: Get Help In-Person

Episode 18: Get Help from Others Researching the Same Name

Episode 19: I Want to Interview a Living Relative 

Episode 20: I Want to Learn More About Sourcing

Episode 21: Indexing, I want to help

Making Family History Fun for Children
Family History Fun - Friend, February 2011

Extra, Extra! - Friend, March 2012

FamilySearch Sleuth - Friend, July 2013

Grandma's Trunk - Friend, May 2006

My Family Tree - Friend, October 2009

Seek and Find - Friend, March 1982

Sharing Time: "The Heart of the Children" - Liahona, August 2002

Build Your Family Tree now! - Family Tree Kids Magazine

Miscellaneous Links
Tour the Boards: Finding Clues in Genealogy Forums &amp; Message Boards Message Boards

FamilySearch Blog: How to Submit Temple names through Ancestry.com Submit Names Temple Ancestry.com

New Audio File Feature Helps You Teach Others About Their Ancestors FamilySearch Memories: Audio Files

Need some help getting your members engaged in Family History? This webinar series explores new tools and techniques for motivating members with Family History and temple work. Consultant Webinar Series

Top of Page

Family History Center Volunteers
Ward and Stake Family History Positions

Academy Ward
Family History Consultant Bill Holden, (559) 593-0441, [mailto:bholden1958@gmail.com bholden1958@gmail.com] Meghan Christopherson, (559)-259 3705,  [mailto:mchristopherson@ucmerced.edu mchristopherson@ucmerced.edu]

Indexing Director

Cedarwood Ward
Family History Consultants Doug Garside, (559) 392-2179, [mailto:dgarside16@gmail.com dgarside16@gmail.com] Ben Hutchason, (559) 408-4512, [mailto:Chutch49@hotmail.com Chutch49@hotmail.com] Mary Luke, (559) 240-7706, [mailto:maryluke1@gmail.com maryluke1@gmail.com]

Indexing Director Niki Robinson, (562) 212-8148

Clovis Ward
Family History Consultants David Brown, (559) 475-2420, [mailto:dbrown997@gmail.com dbrown997@gmail.com] Megan Carlson, (559) 940-2091 David Grenier, (559) 297-1345, [mailto:grenida@pacbell.net grenida@pacbell.net] Kristie Malan, (559) 322-1640, [mailto:ksaltair@hotmail.com ksaltair@hotmail.com] Kathy Nankervis, (559) 230-9740, [mailto:marypopgranny@gmail.com marypopgranny@gmail.com] Ron and Darlene Neault, (559) 297-1036, [mailto:rondar57@sbcglobal.net rondar57@sbcglobal.net] Brittany Ryan, (559) 472-8623, [mailto:brittanyryan1@gmail.com brittanyryan1@gmail.com] Richard and Renee Scott, (559) 797-1753, [mailto:RichardScott57@gmail.com RichardScott57@gmail.com] Kent and Teri Stringham, (559) 299-8758, [mailto:kent.stringham@sbcglobal.net kent.stringham@sbcglobal.net] Lorraine Walker, (559) 904-6254, [mailto:walkerrunners@att.net walkerrunners@att.net]

Indexing Director  David Grenier, (559) 297-1345, [mailto:grenida@pacbell.net grenida@pacbell.net]

Dakota Ward
Family History Consultants Brian and Candice Hunt (559) 412-4657, [mailto:hunt5388@comcast.net hunt5388@comcast.net] Doug Salin, (559) 314-5430, [mailto:DMS44@hotmail.com DMS44@hotmail.com] Youth Family History Consultant Emma Ward, [mailto:emmaward1999@gmail.com emmaward1999@gmail.com]

Indexing Directors Theron and Ingrid Toler, (559) 294-7682, [mailto:ingrid.toler@gmail.com ingrid.toler@gmail.com]

Kings Canyon Ward
Family History Consultants Lisa Gifford, (559) 252-4866 Teela Hamilton, (559) 840-8809, [mailto:teela_h@rocketmail.com teela_h@rocketmail.com] Rachelle Hardy, (559) 281-7947, [mailto:rachellehardy@guarantee.com rachellehardy@guarantee.com] Katie Haroldson, (559) 577-7470, [mailto:katie@haroldsen.me katie@haroldsen.me] Bonnie Harris, (559) 960-9061, [mailto:bonnielou1946@att.net bonnielou1946@att.net] Tamara Lainez, (559) 400-5718, [mailto:ricardolainez@me.com ricardolainez@me.com] Bounthay Linthalath, (559) 652-6138, [mailto:bounlint@gmail.com bounlint@gmail.com] Michael Ohler, (559) 273-7341, [mailto:mickail777@gmail.com mickail777@gmail.com] Joseph Patrick Wirth, (559) 455-9267, [mailto:chearnwirth@att.net chearnwirth@att.net]

Youth Family History Consultants Kassandra Cordova, (559) 441-7108 Andrew Henry, (559) 449-3486 Porter Mounsevath, [mailto:mounesavath@hotmail.com mounesavath@hotmail.com]

Indexing Director Rachelle Hardy, (559) 281-7947, [mailto:rachellehardy@guarantee.com rachellehardy@guarantee.com]

McKinley Ward
Family History Consultants JoNell Dustin, (559) 312-7146 Melanie Keasler, (559) 251-4405, [mailto:melanieannkeasler@gmail.com melanieannkeasler@gmail.com] Jana Last, (559) 260-2592, [mailto:jmlast@comcast.net jmlast@comcast.net] David Viau, (559) 454-0684, [mailto:mountainvue@gmail.com mountainvue@gmail.com]

Indexing Director David Viau, (559) 454-0684, [mailto:mountainvue@gmail.com mountainvue@gmail.com]

Redbank Ward
Family History Consultants Tim and Jeannine Butler (559-492-3892, [mailto:drrtim@aol.com drrtim@aol.com]; [mailto:jbladybuglady@aol.com jbladybuglady@aol.com] Kimberly Calaway. (559) 323-8585, [mailto:calawayclan@yahoo.com calawayclan@yahoo.com] Patrick and Sonya Comstock (559-790-5238), [mailto:patrickcomstock@gmail.com patrickcomstock@gmail.com] Jack and Shirley Runyan, (818) 632-1040, [mailto:runyantaxservice@yahoo.com runyantaxservice@yahoo.com]

Indexing Director

Sanger Ward
Family History Center Directors Ken and Sherry Reed, (559) 875-5025, [mailto:kendreed@gmail.com kendreed@gmail.com]

Family History Consultants Sandra Gorham, (559) 978-9170, [mailto:g72sandy@yahoo.com g72sandy@yahoo.com] Fred Heizman, (559) 394-7654 Linda Lowney, (760) 265-4979

Indexing

Sierra Vista Ward
Family History Consultants David Hatch, (559) 313-9148, [mailto:davidghatch@comcast.net davidghatch@comcast.net] Susan Koch, (559) 593-982, [mailto:sgkoch007@att.net sgkoch007@att.net] Jane Moffitt, (559) 412-4267, [mailto:janemoffitt@comcast.net janemoffitt@comcast.net] Mary Moore,(559) 779-0546, [mailto:marym62@yahoo.com marym62@yahoo.com]

Youth Family History Consultants Jeremy Huey, (559) 301-4612, [mailto:scumdragon@gmail.com scumdragon@gmail.com]; [mailto:aeonycmusic@gmail.com aeonycmusic@gmail.com] Kay Makely, (559) 421-5906, [mailto:karolinemakely@gmail.com karolinemakely@gmail.com] McKenzie Shepard, (559) 477-7220 Nathan Tanner, (559) 291-0304, [mailto:NathanJamesTanner@gmail.com NathanJamesTanner@gmail.com]

Indexing Director Claudia Call, (559) 908-0692, [mailto:claudyacall@gmail.com claudyacall@gmail.com]

Ventura Ward
Family History Consultants Carmen Zarco, Leader, (559) 618-2568, [mailto:mczarco@yahoo.com mczarco@yahoo.com]

Indexing Director

Community Family History Consultants
Carolee Hansen, (559) 301-5585, [mailto:khansen784@aol.com khansen784@aol.com] Jan Gerdts, (559) 875-3409, [mailto:j.gerdtsiq24@gmail.com j.gerdtsiq24@gmail.com]

Stake Family History Center Callings
Director Steve Mecham, (559) 291-7363, [mailto:steve_phs@hotmail.com steve_phs@hotmail.com]

Assistant Directors Louise Marie Baird, (559) 454-8657, [mailto:louisebaird@ymail.com louisebaird@ymail.com] William Arthur Baird, (559) 454-8657 Linda Jaeckel, (559) 999-6514 Sig Jaeckel, (559) 960-8887, [mailto:swjaeckel@sbcglobal.net swjaeckel@sbcglobal.net] Karen Mecham, (559) 284-1185, [mailto:kmech8@hotmail.com kmech8@hotmail.com] Sherry Reed, (559) 875-5025 Don Shroyer, (559) 647-3717, [mailto:docdonsh@aol.com docdonsh@aol.com] Nancy Shroyer, (559) 313-8899, [mailto:nanjeanmc@gmail.com nanjeanmc@gmail.com] Bill Vaughn, (559) 298-8345, [mailto:bill.pvasolutions@icloud.com bill.pvasolutions@icloud.com]' Patty Vaughn, (559) 297-7000, [mailto:patty.pvasolutions@icloud.com patty.pvasolutions@icloud.com] 

Family History Consultant Trainers Bill Vaughn, (559) 298-8345, [mailto:bill.pvasolutions@icloud.com bill.pvasolutions@icloud.com] Patty Vaughn, (559) 297-7000, [mailto:patty.pvasolutions@icloud.com patty.pvasolutions@icloud.com]

Stake Indexing Directors Mark McOmber, (559) 294-9137, [mailto:mbcmc54@gmail.com mbcmc54@gmail.com] Cathy McOmber, (559) 360-5246

Family History Youth Consultant Service Missionary
Top of Page