Patrons will be expected to abide by the following:
. Masks are now optional. Because air circulation in the Center is not optimal, we have an air purifier.
· Access is only by way of the buzzer at the outside door.
Determining if the Center has a Specific Film
1) Find the film number.
In FamilySearch, if you find the transcription of a record, look for the words, “Document Information” at the right. Click on the dropdown arrow to find the film number. Newer transcriptions on FamilySearch may have the film number and other document information on the left.
Some Ancestry.com records cite the film number.
The Digital File number and the image number MAY be of help, so note them too.
2) Bring up a fresh instance of FamilySearch.org
Click on “Search” in the menu bar to the right of the FamilySearch logo. Then click on “Catalog.” On the screen that comes up, click on “Film/Fiche/Image Group Number” and enter the film number you found. Just below, under “Availability,” click on the circle next to the words, “FamilySearch Center,” and then scroll through the huge drop down list and highlight “Wilmette Family History Center.” Click “Search.”
3) Is the film at Wilmette?
If you get a description of a record set, for example, “Chicago Death Certificates 1878-1915, it means the Wilmette FSC has the film. If you get the phrase, “No results found,” it means Wilmette does not have the film.
Also, the Center has notebooks that are finding aids for Chicago vital records and Chicago Catholic Parish Records. A consultant may be able to help you find a film number based on the date of the event, or the certificate number.
There are also notebooks concerning how to research immigration and naturalization records, but they may not lead you to a film number.
Interested in visiting other local research facilities?
The FamilySearch Center is also convenient to other local research institutions including the Wilmette Library, Glenview Library and the Wilmette History Museum, all within a short driving distance, and the Arlington Heights Library 30 minutes to the west down Lake Avenue. The Cook County Clerk’s Skokie Office (for vital records) is also very close.
Starting your research
If you’ll be starting your research, write down what you know—names, dates, places—and choose a research goal before you make the trip. Seeing that information helps our consultants understand your search and makes it easier for them to assist you.
Need specialized help?
Each of our volunteers has a different set of skills and research experience to share. If you need help with something specific, e.g., reading German or Latin, finding Chicago records, learning how to find Polish records online, feel free to call ahead to see when someone might be available to assist you.
Looking for a place to eat?
If you’re planning to spend the day at the FamilySearch Center, there are many places to eat in the area or you’re welcome to bring a lunch. There is a refrigerator in the church kitchen. Restaurants within a short driving distance include:
Corner Bakery, Five Guys, and Panda Express in Edens Plaza, a short drive West on Lake Avenue
Ridgeview Grill, a short drive East on Lake Avenue
There are also many sit-down restaurants in Old Orchard Mall and downtown Wilmette.
