Overview of the LDS Holdings

By Cheri Mello (GFS CheriM)



First, a brief overview of the LDS church is in order. The LDS (Latter-Day Saints) or Mormon church, houses many genealogical records in their Family History Centers (FHC). The main library is in Salt Lake City, which does lend its materials to it's local branches. So if your branch (or stake, as the LDS call it), doesn't have what you need, it can be ordered (for a fee).

Part of the belief or the LDS church is that the family is eternal. To allow ancestors to become part of their faith, they must identify them. So thus began their genealogical library. About 80% of the people using their library are identified as non-members (not of the Mormon faith). They have records of many things as far back as the 1500s. No records really exist before 1500, and people weren't literate back then either, so the need for records didn't exist.

When you are hunting for information in the library, here are some things to keep in mind: Learn the local history of where your ancestors lived (most counties have county histories published--usually at the county's centennial). Be aware that the county boundaries change (consult Map Guide to the U. S. Federal Censuses by Thorndale and Dollarhide. One is usually on hand at the FHC). Be aware of the geography of the area you are searching--your ancestors may have used the next county over because they would have to cross the mountains or rivers, etc. to get to their county seat. Be aware that your ancestor's surname may be misspelled, butchered or Americanized. Look under all possible sources, including apelidos/alcunhas/nicknames. The handwriting in many of the records you will read will most likely be difficult. Handwriting samples of the period do exist and you could use them for a comparison in figuring out your record. And lastly, be skeptical of the printed material (whether it is LDS material or otherwise)--it may not be documented.

Upon your first visit to a FHC, you will be steered towards some general sources. Don't hold your breath and turn blue with these. I have found them to be of very little help in locating my Portuguese ancestors, but you may find them useful. You will probably be steered to some yellow fiche called the IGI (International Genealogical Index). This is also on their computers in CD form. In the computer, you can enter the name of your ancestor and see if it pops up. No death records are on the IGI, but everyone listed in it is deceased. The bulk of the people on the IGI have been submitted by LDS members. I understand that documentation was not necessary in the past. So mistakes may be found. You can submit a correction, however. If you prefer the fiche, you could do a locality search, such as Silva, Bristol Co, MA. That is the yellow fiche. The green fiche is Author/Title, the pink is the surname catalog (which lists books under that surname) and the blue is for subject. You may also wish to browse their book section to see if they have any county histories of the county you are interested in.

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