Rochester Minnesota FamilySearch Center

WELCOME to the Family History Center!

 * Family History Assistance is available when you leave a phone or email message.
 * Phone: 507-281-6641 (or 801 263-1637)
 * E-mail: MN_Rochester@familyhistorymail.org


 * COVID Precautions currently include the following guidelines and recommendations:
 * Fully vaccinated individuals no longer need wear masks. Those who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a mask.
 * Social distancing is still encouraged whenever possible.
 * Good hygiene is requested as regular use of hand sanitizer or washing along with use of disinfecting keyboard, mouse and counter surfaces before and after use.
 * Group size is limited to 25 people or less at a given time.

Center Contacts and Hours

 * 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.


 * OPEN HOURS :


 * Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
 * Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to Noon and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
 * Other: By Appointment -- Leave a Message with Your Number on Phone Listed Above or Reply to the E-mail Above.


 * HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2021 - We are closed for the following:
 * Thanksgiving and Nativity Event: Closed the Week of Nov 22 and the Week of Dec 1


 * Christmas and New Years: Closed the Week of Dec 20 and the Week of Dec 27


 * Inclement Weather: Closed with Rochester Public Schools--If they are closed, we are closed, if they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.

Training & Education Videos

 * >>>> ROOTS TECH CONFERENCE -- ALL YEAR FREE ACCESS!! <<<<


 * 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

 * Rochester Public Library Genealogy Collection
 * Olmsted County Genealogy Society
 * History Center of Olmsted County
 * Minnesota Genealogical 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
 * Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter
 * Family Tree Magazine Podcast
 * Google Newspaper Archive (obits - death notices - historic articles)

Center Databases and Software

 * FHC Portal The Family History Center Portal page gives free access while in the Center to premium family history software and websites that generally charge for subscriptions and are subject to change.


 * Current Portal Websites
 * 19th Century British Library Newspaper Digital Archive
 * Alexander Street Press
 * The American Civil War: Research Database / Letters and Diaries / Images, Photographs, Posters, and Ephemera / Social and Cultural History / Women and Social Movements in the United States
 * American Ancestors - Library Rights
 * Ancestry - Institution Versions --- U.S. / Austrailia / Canada / Germany / Sweden / United Kingdom
 * Arkivdigital - English display available
 * FamNet
 * Findmypast - Institution Version
 * Fold3
 * Geneanet
 * Kinpoint - Premium
 * MyHeritage - Library Edition
 * Newspaper Archive
 * Paper Trail
 * Puzzila - Premium Services

Resources and Equipment

 * 7 computers -printer enabled
 * 2 microfilm readers
 * 1 microfiche reader
 * 1 microfilm printer

Staff Research Specialties

 * Ancestry.com: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 or by appointment
 * U.S. Before 1850: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 or by appointment
 * British Isles: by appointment
 * French: by appointment ask for Sharon
 * German: by appointment ask for Lynn
 * Norwegian or Swedish: by appointment ask for Andrea
 * Native American: by appointment ask for Valerie
 * Illinois Vital Records, ancestry.com: by appointment ask for Tiffany
 * Mennonite, Scotland, New Jersey: by appointment ask for Melissa

Upcoming Or Local Events
NorthStar Genealogy Conference -  October 1 /2 2021

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.