Madison CountyHistorical Society Archival Library becomes FamilySearch Affiliate Library
Local genealogists now have additional resources available for building a family tree. The Madison County Historical Society's (MCHS) Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, which means it has access to more online genealogy resources to help researchers explore their families. FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world.
Out of the more than 120,000 libraries in the United States, there are only a few hundred affiliate libraries in the country. The designation means local library patrons will now have greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through FamilySearch. The popular web service has over 6 billion searchable names and 2 billion images of historical genealogical records, plus, at an affiliate library, researchers get helpful assistance from the library staff.
Application for acceptance as a FamilySearch Affiliate was a lengthy process, but worth it. According to Robert Clouse, MCHS Vice-President and Director of Operations, “The MCHS Archival Library contains a wealth of resources not available in any other facility and we share in the excitement our patrons express with the discovery of new links to their family's history. We are excited to provide these expanded genealogical resources to patrons and look forward to the increased interest these resources will serve in discovering more about our region's past,”
FamilySearch adds over 300 million free genealogical records and images online annually from all over the world and manages the famous FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. It has amassed billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land and court records from more than 130 countries to help aid discover and make family connections.
Paul Nauta, FamilySearch Public Relations Manager, said, “We are excited to have Madison County Historical Society Archival Library as our newest FamilySearch Affiliate Library. It will help FamilySearch expand opportunities for fun, personal discoveries and family connections to the local community.”
He commented that the interest in genealogy continues to expand. He said, “…with the popularity of DNA tests, reality TV shows like “Long Lost Family” or” Who Do You Think You Are?,” and the growing access to online genealogy records. Adding the Madison County Historical Society Archival Library as our newest FamilySearch Affiliate Library will enable patrons to make many fun, personal discoveries and family connections,” said Paul Nauta, FamilySearch Public Relations Manager.
The Madison County Historical Society owns and operates the MCHS Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois. Hours are Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. MCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. For more information or to learn more about Madison County history, visit their website https://madcohistory.org/, or call 618-656-6579.