Safford-Thatcher Arizona FamilySearch Center

The Gila Valley Arizona Family History Center located in Safford, serves all of the Gila Valley. We have about 50 volunteer consultants trained and ready to help patrons who visit the Center. The Center is dedicated to providing education and support for the family history community in the Gila Valley area.



Center Contacts and Hours
Location and Map:


 * 515 West 11th St  Safford, AZ  85546 United States 
 * Location Map

Language: English Phone: (928)-428-7927 or (480)-293-4402

E-mail: thegilavalleyfhc@gmail.com

Open Hours


 * Tuesday      9 a.m. - 5 p.m. walk-ins welcome
 * Thursday    9 a.m. - 5 p.m. walk-ins welcome
 * Tuesdays and Thursdays open for walk-ins, consultants present, no appointment needed
 * Any other day open by appointment

Appointments can be made by phone, email or https://www.facebook.com/gilavalleyfhc

Center will be closed the last two weeks of December 2022. Groups Welcome by Appointment: Please Call (928) 428-7927 to make arrangements.

Upcoming Events
All Classes Are Free to Attend and Are Held At The Family History Center. The Gila Valley Arizona Family History Center, 515 W 11th St, Safford, AZ. Classes will begin again in January 2023. No schedule is available at this time.

Collections

 * We have many Local Family Histories in our library as well as books on Arizona towns and counties. All other States are represented, too.

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, Including:
 * FamilySearch.org
 * Ancestry.com
 * Fold 3 (formerly Footnote)
 * My Heritage.org
 * AmericanAncestors.org (formerly New England Historic Genealogical Society)
 * World Vital Records
 * Godfrey Memorial Library and many other sites.
 * Puzzilla premium

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can use the Library's resources? A: Any and all persons who are doing genealogical research or searching for their ancestors are welcome to use our resources.

Q: Do you proselyte at this Library? A: No. If patrons wish to know more about our Church, we invite and encourage them to visit with our missionaries, on their own, away from the Library. Our charter by the Church is to assist and provide instruction to patrons who are searching for their ancestors.

Q: Are there any costs associated with using the Library's resources? A: Yes. There is a nominal cost associated when making copies on our printers and copiers. There is no cost for using our computers.

Q: Why do I have to sign in? A: We are required to submit reports on the number of patrons that use the center in order for us to justify our needs for staffing and financial support. We do not require addresses or phone numbers.

Q: What kinds of computer files should I bring into the center to work on? A: Bring in your database BACKUP files on a Flash Drive. If you are working on a computer program other than FamilyInsight, RootsMagic, Ancestral Quest or Legacy, bring in a GEDCOM file. We do not have a computer that can read Apple/Mac files, but you can receive help if you bring in your own laptop. We do not have any PAF version earlier than 3.3.

Things to Bring With You When You Visit The Family History Center

 * Place any records (birth/death certificates, etc.) along with names, dates, places you are aware of or have found into a box. Organize them by family surname, dates, or places. You may choose to bring a notebook with this information or actually bring the box.
 * We recommend you enter the knowledge you have gathered into a genealogical software program of your choice. FamilySearch has a list of approved programs. If you prefer to use Personal Ancestral File (PAF), you can now compare your data with FamilySearch Family Tree by submitting a GEDCOM.
 * Decide what you would like to achieve and then bring any information you already have with you. Please check the hours we are open.
 * Complete and bring your Pedigree Chart, Family Group Sheets or your personal genealogical data program backup file on a flash drive (memory stick) for transporting information back and forth from your home to the Family History Center.
 * To obtain forms such as blank Pedigree Charts, Family Group Sheets and others, you may choose to go to: Charts.
 * If additional research help is needed, call ahead to make sure someone will be available to assist you in your search.
 * When coming to the Library, be sure to have a small amount of change to pay for any copies that you want.

Hardware and Equipment

 * 13 Computers connected to the Internet for patron use.
 * Wi-Fi is available if you want to bring your own laptop or tablet for Family History research.
 * 1 Copier/Scanner/Printer, black and white or color copies are available for a small fee. Our copier can scan documents and photos directly to your personal flash drive at no cost.

Staff Research Specialties
(Include sections for any other services your center provides. Add additional sections for those services. See the Bountiful and Chattanooga FHC pages for examples.)

Resources in the Local Area
Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society

2 North Main Street, Pima, Arizona 85543 (928) 485-9400

Safford City - Graham County Library

808 South 7th Avenue, Safford, Arizona 85546 (928) 432-4165

Links

 * For more local information see Graham County, Arizona
 * See also Arizona History
 * See also Arizona Historical Society
 * See also Arizona Genealogy
 * See also Arizona
 * See also Arizona Archives and Libraries
 * See also Arizona Genealogy Birth and Death Certificates genealogy.az.gov/
 * For more excellent resources see Mesa FamilySearch Library

Online Genealogy Records by Location
 * Using the FamilySearch Research Wiki: A comprehensive video presentation explaining the Wiki, navigating it, and some especially useful pages. Case studies demonstrate using the Wiki for genealogical research. Editing and adding articles to the Wiki are covered.

Volunteer at the Center
Individuals familiar with the familysearch/family tree program that can help patrons on a one-on-one basis.