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, Niceville, 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: By Appointment call 850.678.8430
 * Fl_fortwaltonbeach@ldsmail.net
 * Thursday:10:00AM-4:00PM
 * Saturday:10:00AM-1:00PM

Holiday Schedule:

Closed for Federal holidays: Closed for Church Conferences: We also close one month in the summer as determined by staff on a year by year basis.

Collections

 * General Source and How-To Books for genealogists are in the collection, including The Red Book, The Source, and Handbook for Genealogists.

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, 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. In the near future there will be no microfilms readers available as all film will be returned to the Family History Department in Salt Lake.

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.