FamilySearch Library/Boy Scout Genealogy Merit Badge Workshop

Overview
The Family History Library in Salt Lake City offers a workshop to help members of Scouts BSA earn the Genealogy Merit Badge. The workshop is held on select Saturdays every month from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Depending on the size and skill level of the group, the end time may vary slightly.

The workshop is taught by a registered Genealogy Merit Badge Counselor and Accredited Genealogist®.

Scout leaders or parents who accompany the Scouts to the workshop are invited to assist them during the workshop to successfully complete the activities.

No prerequisites are necessary, as Scouts will be able to complete the entire Merit Badge onsite. It is helpful, however, if the Scouts can set up their own FamilySearch account prior to coming.

Registration

Prior registration is required to attend. Register here: https://go.oncehub.com/BSAGenealogyMeritBadge

Location

The Family History Library is located at 35 North West Temple, just west of Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. Hours of operation on Saturdays are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Parking

On Saturdays free parking is available to library visitors in the lot west of the Church Museum of History and Art (the museum is located just north of the Family History Library). Enter the lot from North Temple heading east from 200 West.

Click parking to view or download a map showing parking options behind or near the library and museum.

Merit badge requirements
The Genealogy Merit Badge includes the following requirements:


 * 1) Explain to your counselor what the words genealogy, ancestor, and descendant mean.
 * 2) Do ONE of the following:
 * 3) Do a time line for yourself or for a relative. Then write a short biography based on that time line.
 * 4) Keep a journal for 6 weeks. You must write in it at least once a week.
 * 5) With your parent's help, choose a relative or a family acquaintance you can interview in person, by telephone, or by e-mail or letter. Record the information you collect so you do not forget it.
 * 6) Do the following:
 * 7) Name three types of genealogical resources and explain how these resources can help you chart your family tree.
 * 8) Obtain at least one genealogical document that supports an event that is or can be recorded on your pedigree chart or family group record. The document could be found at home or at a government office, religious organization, archive, or library.
 * 9) Tell how you would evaluate the genealogical information you found for requirement 4b.
 * 10) Contact ONE of the following individuals or institutions. Ask what genealogical services, records, or activities this individual or institution provides, and report the results:
 * 11) A genealogical or lineage society
 * 12) A professional genealogist (someone who gets paid for doing genealogical research)
 * 13) A surname organization, such as your family's organization
 * 14) A genealogical education facility or institution.
 * 15) A genealogical record repository of any type (courthouse, genealogical library, state or national archive, state library, etc.)
 * 16) Begin your family tree by listing yourself and include at least two additional generations. You may complete this requirement by using the chart provided in the Genealogy merit badge pamphlet or the genealogy software program of your choice.
 * 17) Complete a family group record form, listing yourself and your brothers and sisters as the children. On another family group record form, show one of your parents and his or her brothers and sisters as the children. This requirement may be completed using the chart provided or the genealogy software program of your choice.
 * 18) Do the following:
 * 19) Explain the effect computers and the Internet are having on the world of genealogy.
 * 20) Explain how photography (including microfilming) has influenced genealogy.
 * 21) Discuss what you have learned about your family and your family members through your genealogical research.

The following online resource provides information on the Genealogy Merit Badge, the requirements, and links to additional resources:


 * Boy Scout Merit Badge in Genealogy wiki page

What to bring to the workshop

 * Notebook and pencil
 * FamilySearch account login information (if the Scout does not have an account, he or she can create one at the workshop)
 * Sack lunch
 * The name and identifying information of a deceased grandparent or great-grandparent (name, birth date and place, death date and place, spouse's name)
 * Merit Badge "blue card" signed by your unit leader

Other requirements

 * Please wear your full field uniform ("Class A").
 * Individuals who register must bring a parent or other trusted adult.
 * Groups who register (i.e. Troops) must have at least two adult leaders attend the workshop with the youth (per BSA policy). It is recommended to have one leader for every four youth.

Registration is required to attend
Space is limited in the workshop. Prior registration is required to ensure space is available for your group.

Registration page can be found here: https://go.oncehub.com/BSAGenealogyMeritBadge