Fort Walton Beach Florida FamilySearch Center

The Fort Walton Beach Family History Center existed for years as the "Genealogy Library" in this location. The Center is considered by many to be a genealogy outreach for the benefit of the community of genealogists living in Crestview, Florida, Niceville, Florida, and Valparaiso, Florida, as well as the Greater Fort Walton Beach area. Patrons from Destin and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida have also supported the center.

Center Contacts and Hours
Location Map:


 * Location Map

Address:


 * 339 Lake Dr NW Fort Walton Beach FL 32547 United States


 * Language: English, One Staff member speaks, French, Italian and Latin

Phone:


 * 1-850-244-3338

E-mail:

Open Hours:   Tuesday: By Appointment call 850.678.8430
 * FL_FortWaltonBeach@ldsmail.net
 * Thursday:10:00AM-4:00PM
 * Saturday:10:00AM-1:00PM

'''Holiday Schedule: We will be closed the month of July 2017. We will open the first Thursday of Aug 2017'''

Closed for Federal holidays: Closed for Church Conferences:

Upcoming Events
2018 Northwest Florida Family History Fair

March 3, 2018

9AM to 12PM (Three 40-minute sessions)

LDS Church

339 Lake Drive, FWB 32548

FREE, Everyone Welcome

Gain New Skills and Helpful Family History Information

Knowledgeable and Experienced Instructors

Classes offered in First Period:

1. Family Secret Agent- Keys to personal success for you family.

2. Military Records- Unlocking Information About Ancestors Who Served.

3. European Research- Special Emphasis on Italy & France.

4. Making An Oral Life History- If You Don't Do It - Who Will?

5. Writing A Personal History- A Rewarding Personal Journey.

6. Basic Family Search- Have Fun Getting Started Well!

7. FamilySearch Indexing- Helping Genealogy Move Forward.

8. Best of The Rest Records- Gold Mines For Experienced Genealogists.

Classes offered in Second Period:

1. DNA- Understanding The Basics Of Using DNA Information.

2. Google Earth For Genealogists- Enhancing Your Journey.

3. European Research- Special Emphasis On Germany.

4. African-American Research- Getting Beyond The Basics.

5. Making An Oral Life History- If You Don't Do It - Who Will?

6. Basic Family Search- Have Fun Getting Started Well!

7. Primary & Secondary Sources- Land, Probate, Census & Personal Records, Etc.

8. Best Internet Sites 4 Genealogy- New Resources You Can Count On!

Classes offered in Third Period:

1. Advanced Family Search Doc.- Quality Check The Family Tree!.

2. Military Records- Unlocking Information About Ancestors Who Served.

3. DNA- Understanding The Basics Of Using DNA Information.

4. African-American Research- Overcoming The Toughest Challenge.

5. Favorite Family History Internet Sites- Other than FamilySearch.

6. FamilySearch Indexing- Helping Genealogy Move Forward.

7. Writing A Personal History- A Rewarding Personal Journey.

8. Land Records- Pre & Post Revolutionary Ward Guidance.

Other Fair Offerings: Family History Center Portal Q & A Session, Family History

Help Center & Various Displays.

For detail information on classes and instructors please visit the Northwest Florida Family

History Fair- 2018 Facebook Page.

Three ways to register:

1. Email request of classes to familyhistoryfair1@gmail.com

2. Visit the Northwest Florida Family History Fair-2018 Facebook Page for Registration Form

link.

3. Drop in at any of the Fort Walton Beach Stake Family History Centers to register.

https://goo.gl/forms/bjmmNO9gNjNy3YiG2

Class Schedule
FAMILY HISTORY

Collections

 * General Source and How-To Books for genealogists are in the collection, including The Red Book, The Source, and Handbook for Genealogists. Microfilm and microfiche are available for the Southeastern (an some other regions) States.


 * Supplies: Basic supplies such as genealogy charts are available.

Databases and Software

 * Family History Center 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. Among these, currently, are Ancestry.com, Fold3, and others. Portal can also be used to view film that are restricted in the Family Search Catalog with key above it.

Hardware and Equipment

 * There are three microfilm readers available, one microfiche reader, a camera for taking pictures of microfilms, seven computers, and two printers, one of which will scan your photos or other media. One printer has access to scan direct to your Family Tree on Family Search

Staff Research Specialties
Currently, staff research specialties include German, French, Latin and Italian research with translator services available. Several staff members are qualified to guide patrons seeking their Southeastern United States roots.

Resources in the Local Area
The local library in Valparaiso, Florida has an excellent Family History section.

Volunteer at the Center
To be a volunteer at the center you do not have to be a member of the LDS Church. All you need to know is a working understanding of computer programs and have done some Family History research. Member of the Church must be called in the wards as a Temple and Family History Consultant before being asked to work in the Family History Center.