Edwardsville's MCHS Archive Library Becomes FamilySearch Affiliate

Local genealogists now have additional resources available for building a family tree, according to a press release from the Madison County Historical Society.

The MCHS Archival Library, 801 N. Main St. in Edwardsville, 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 120,00 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 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, the press release stated.

“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,” said Robert Clouse, MCHS vice president and director of operations. “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.”

Genealogy Interest Grows

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.

“We are excited to have Madison County Historical Society Archival Library as our newest FamilySearch Affiliate Library,” said Paul Nauta, FamilySearch public relations manager. “It will help FamilySearch expand opportunities for fun, personal discoveries, and family connections to the local community.”

Interest in genealogy continues to expand, Nauta noted, “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.

The Madison County Historical Society owns and operates the MCHS Archival Library. Hours are Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. MCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

About FamilySearch

FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years.

Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources for free at FamilySearch.org or through more than 5,000 FamilySearch centers in 129 countries, including the main FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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