Exploring Roots and Royalty: A Journey at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City

Have you ever wondered about your family's history, heritage, and finding out famous folks you might be related to? Recently, Shelly and I had the opportunity to explore our family history at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. What we thought would be a brief visit turned into an unforgettable experience that took us back in time, spanning centuries and continents. In this blog post, I will share our enriching journey at the FamilySearch Library and the remarkable discoveries we made about our ancestry.

Unraveling the Past

The FamilySearch Library, often hailed as the number one source of ancestral records, offers a treasure trove of information in one place. As we stepped into the library, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly team, who went above and beyond to guide us through the process. From creating our accounts to locating our family members, they patiently sat with us and made the entire experience seamless.

Diving into Records

One of the highlights of our visit was the opportunity to view the draft records of my grandparents, complete with their signatures. The feeling of holding historical documents in our hands was totally cool. With just a few details and the names of our parents and grandparents, we set out on a journey that would lead us back through generations, all the way to the 1300s. Little did I know that my roots traced back to Scotland, which probably explains my affinity for Scotch!

Discovering Remarkable Connections:

As we delved deeper into our family history, we were amazed to discover the notable figures we were connected to. The FamilySearch Library provided us with a comprehensive picture of our ancestors' lives, revealing intriguing connections to historical figures, inventors, leaders, and even a surprising revelation that my wife's ancestry dates back to none other than George Washington. She is his first cousin 10 times removed!

A World of Information

The FamilySearch Library is a gateway to a vast reservoir of knowledge. It goes beyond just providing genealogical data; the library also showcases various historical records, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays that offer a glimpse into the history of different countries, societies, and cultures. It was an eye-opening experience that allowed us to not only connect with our own history but also understand the broader tapestry of human heritage.

Online Access

For those who cannot make the journey to Salt Lake City, fear not, as the

FamilySearch website offers a free account option that grants access to a significant portion of their records. Additionally, you can locate FamilySearch centers in cities near you, which provide an additional level of access to resources like Ancestry.com.

That’s a Wrap

Our visit to the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City was truly a awesome experience, offering us insights into our past and our heritage. Tracing our roots back to the 1300s and discovering connections to historical figures left us feeling a deeper sense of identity and pride in our ancestry. The journey of exploring our family history at the library was nothing short of extraordinary and reaffirmed the value of preserving and cherishing our roots.

Whether you have a few hours to spare or a lifetime of curiosity, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the FamilySearch Library or exploring their online resources to embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection to the past. Unravel your own story, and who knows, you might find yourself connected to royalty or remarkable historical figures, just like we did. Happy exploring!

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!