Rochester Minnesota FamilySearch Center



The Family History Center Is Open for Regular Hours of Operation

Hours of Regular Operation
Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday - 9 a.m. to noon & 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Other times by appointment - Leave a Message with Your Number at 507.281.6641  or   E-mail MN_Rochester@familyhistorymail.org

Please be prepared to observe our current COVID Precautions as listed below:


 * All patrons and staff are expected to wear a mask WHEN INDOOR, MID-WEEK ACTIVITY POLICY REQUIRES IT.
 * Social distancing of 6 feet is requested for unvaccinated individuals
 * 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.

Center Contacts and Holiday Schedule

 * 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


 * HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2022 - We are closed for the following:
 * Independence Day:                       Closed the Week of July 4
 * Thanksgiving and Nativity Event: Closed the Week of Nov 21 and the Week of Nov 28
 * Christmas and New Years:           Closed the Week of Dec 25 and the Week of Jan 1 2023
 * Inclement Weather:                     Closed with Rochester Public Schools
 * If they are closed, we are closed. If they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.
 * Inclement Weather:                     Closed with Rochester Public Schools
 * If they are closed, we are closed. If they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.
 * If they are closed, we are closed. If they are delayed 2 hours, so are we.

Training & Education
ROOTS TECH CONFERENCE - ALL SESSIONS NOW AVAILABLE 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

 * History Center of Olmsted County
 * Rochester Public Library Genealogy Collection
 * Gale Family Library - St. Paul MN
 * Hoffman Research Library - Mendota Heights, MN
 * Olmsted County Genealogy Society
 * Minnesota Genealogical Society
 * Minnesota Historical 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
 * Family Tree Magazine Podcast
 * Google Newspaper Archive (obits - death notices - historic articles)

Staff Research Specialties

 * Ancestry.com: regular hours or by appointment
 * British Isles: by appointment
 * Personal Database Creation or Conversion: Wednesdays 7 to 9 p.m. or by appointment ask for Paul
 * French: by appointment ask for Sharon
 * German: Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment ask for Lynn
 * Illinois Vital Records; Photo or book publication: by appointment ask for Tiffany
 * Mennonite, Scotland, New Jersey: by appointment ask for Melissa
 * Native American: by appointment ask for Valerie
 * Norwegian or Swedish: by appointment ask for Andrea
 * New York, New England, French Canadian: Wednesdays 7p.m. to 9 p.m. ask for Louis
 * Swedish / Finnish: by appointment ask for Marjatta
 * U.S. Land Records & Wills Before 1850: Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 or by appointment ask for Lorraine

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.