Abbotsford British Columbia FamilySearch Centre

Centre Contacts
Location: 30635 Blueridge Drive, Abbotsford BC V2T 5W3 Canada

Link to map using Google or other map sites

Phone: 604-852-8043

E-mail: [mailto:bc_abbotsford@familyhistorymail.org bc_abbotsford@familyhistorymail.org]

Regular Schedule (COVID Safety Protocols in Place)
**** During COVID-19 restrictions and inclement weather call ahead to be sure the centre is open. Please contact our centre via phone or email to get up to date closures****

*** We reserve the right to close one hour early if there are no clients in the centre***

Closed all Statutory Holidays
 * Mon. 10:00am - 1:00pm
 * Tue. 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Christmas Schedule: Closed from December 12, 2022- opening January 9, 2023

 COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS : ''Help Prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please DO NOT enter the centre if you have the following symptoms: fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, new muscle aches or headache, sore throat or recently been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Sign in and out providing requested information.''

2022 Family History Presentation Calendar (via Zoom)
TBA - Click on the url link beside class title to register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Abbotsford Family History Day (annual event)
April 15, 2023 details to follow. www.abbotsfordfamilyhistory.com

Centre Resources
Please note that as of August 31, 2017 you can no longer order films from Salt Lake, this is because many can be viewed on-line or at the FamilySearch Centre.

Books and Other Printed Material
The centre has a collection of books, maps, dictionaries and gazetteers you may use for your research.

Computers and Internet Access
The centre has 5 computers, 1 multi-functional digital copier/scanner/printer and 1 TV. All library computers have Internet access. Personal laptops can also be connected to the Internet. Many helpful research resources are available from the desktop of the library computers and include free use of many subscription websites.

Databases and Software
This centre has access to the FamilySearch Center Portal page which gives free access in the centre to premium family history software and websites that generally charge for subscriptions. Premium databases include the following:


 * 19th Century British Library Newspaper Digital Archive
 * Alexander Street Press - The American Civil War and Women & Social Movements in the United States
 * American Ancestors
 * Ancestry (Institution Versions: US/Australia/Canada/Germany/Sweden/United Kingdom)
 * ArkivDigital
 * British Newspaper Archive
 * Famnet
 * Findmypast
 * Fold3 (formerly Footnote)
 * Genealogy Bank
 * Genealogy Quebec
 * Geneanet
 * Irish Ancestors
 * MyHeritage (Library Edition)
 * Newspaper Archive
 * Newspapers.com (Institutional Version)
 * Puzzilla (Premium Services
 * The Genealogist
 * Genealogical Software Programs for your use at the centre: Ancestral Quest, Legacy and Rootsmagic

Microfilm Readers and Microfilm Library
The centre has 2 fiche readers, 4 film readers and 1 digital film reader that has the capability to print film and microfiche images or save them to storage media. We have a permanent selection of films which include many English Parish Registers and European films. A collection of fiche for your use: Old Parochial records of Scotland, England Parish Records, complete index of Scottish Presbyterian Church Records 1500-1854 and England & Wales PCC Wills Index 1701 - 1749.

Centre Services
Please reach out to us by email at BC_Abbotsford@familyhistorymail.org.

Group Visits - youth groups, adult groups, children's groups and family groups email [mailto:BC_Abbotsford@familyhistorymail.org BC_Abbotsford@familyhistorymail.org]or call the centre at 604-852-8043 for more information and to book an appointment.

Individual Visits - assistance is available from regular staff without an appointment.

Scanning photos/documents to memory sticks and/or upload to FamilySearch Family Tree site.

Executive Committee:
Director: Lyn McGonigal

Assistant Director: Tanner Cervo

Staff: Val Bulpitt, Maureen Fairbairn, Peggy Haire, Christina Sadler, and Carole Wolfe