Assisted Research Day at the LDS Family History Library

Eager to jump-start your genealogical research? Interested in making headway with your family tree and scaling some brick walls? Hoping to learn innovative strategies and techniques for more productive searching or are you a beginner in need of some one-on-one assistance? Does threading a microfilm machine confound you? Then join fellow JGSLA members and mentor-volunteers at our assisted research day to get the help you need. Our members will assist you in the microfilm room and at computer stations, showing you how to access records on Ancestry, JewishGen, JRI-Poland and the ItalianGen/New York City vital and naturalization records websites. Search the newly-added Ancestry.com databases for the Hamburg emigration lists and Ellis Island records.

A major new development at the Los Angeles Family History Library are their two computers linked to specialized microfilm readers which are available to scan and digitize microfilm images.  Selected images are downloaded to a file created on the computer's desktop, and when the patron is finished, the entire file can be transferred to a flash drive or put on a CD or DVD, depending on the file size.  The original file created on the computer's desktop is then deleted.

At our assisted research day we will have a specialist from the Center who will demonstrate how to use this equipment.  Members will first need to locate the selected images on a standard microfilm reader, and then transfer the microfilm to the digitizing computer station.  Remember to bring either a flash drive or CD/DVD with you to make the final transfer.  Transfer directly to your laptop is not allowed at this time, as it would involve unhooking the Center's own computers from the system.  Reasonably-priced flash drives are available at computer and electronic stores

The following classes, taught by our knowledgeable members, will be offered in the classroom:

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: “Resources at the Family History Library,” Barbara Algaze, JGSLA Librarian

If you are unfamiliar with the FHC microfilm and book collections and computer databases, this introductory talk will demystify them, providing examples of the different types of birth, marriage, death, immigration, naturalization, and census records you can locate at the Center.

2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.: Video Presentation of The Lost, with Daniel Mendelsohn

If you missed this wonderful program held at the Skirball on December 11th, we will show the video of Mendelsohn’s lecture and discussion with audience members.

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: 27th Annual IAJGS Conference on Jewish Genealogy – Sneak Preview, Pamela Weisberger

Are your curious about what’s in store for genealogists at this summer’s IAJGS conference, taking place in Salt Lake City from July 15th – 20th? Pamela Weisberger will fill you in on some of the planned programs, films and lectures along with highlighting the resources and research opportunities at the LDS Family History Library.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: The assisted research day is open only to JGSLA members, but you can join at the door. Consider bringing a friend, giving a membership as a gift. What a great way to start the new year! Feel free to bring your brown-bag lunch or snack to eat downstairs.

DIRECTIONS: The Los Angeles Family History Library (LAFHL) is located at 10741 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Los Angeles, between Selby Avenue and Manning Avenue. Access to the LAFHL, the Los Angeles Temple, Visitor's Center and other buildings is via Eastborne (east side of the Los Angeles Temple) off of Manning Avenue. Website: http:// www.lafhl.org/