The Las Vegas FamilySearch Center celebrated its 60th anniversary on September 19, marking six decades of helping people research, discover and preserve their family histories.

Three former directors of the center and several volunteers shared memories and experiences from their years of service during the anniversary program. Reflecting on her time at the center, a former co-director said, “This place is a miracle.”

A volunteer also shared a Las Vegas Review-Journal article published when the center first opened in 1966.

“This week a major step was taken to assist genealogists in the Las Vegas area. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened and staffed a regional genealogical library that contained books and records of information to trace ancestral lines… The library has an ever expanding future before it.”

Six decades later, that future has included new technology, expanded research resources, major renovations and new ways for people to discover and preserve their family histories.

The center opened in 1966 as the Las Vegas Regional Genealogical Library. In 1989, the library moved to the historic former Las Vegas 1st Ward meetinghouse at 509 S. 9th Street in downtown Las Vegas. The meetinghouse was built in 1932.

During the 1990s, computers were added to the library, providing new tools to help visitors organize and research their family histories. By the 2000s, internet access further expanded research opportunities through online genealogy resources.

Beginning in 2011, renovations significantly expanded the space available for family history research. A former basketball court in the historic meetinghouse was converted into the library’s main research room, and the center expanded into additional areas of the building. The chapel was also restored to accommodate larger meetings and gatherings.

Between 2011 and 2014, the center undertook a large digitization project, scanning books from its collection so they could be preserved and made available to read online.

Another major expansion in 2020 added resources designed to help visitors not only research their ancestors but also preserve their own stories for future generations.

A video studio allows individuals and families to record personal histories and memories. Discovery Center computers provide additional opportunities to explore family history, while a training room equipped with 20 computers allows visitors to receive hands-on instruction during family history classes.

The center also provides a variety of equipment for converting family records and memories stored on older formats into digital files. Equipment available at the center includes tools for digitizing VHS tapes, audio cassettes, photographic slides and Super 8 film, among other formats. The equipment is available to use at no charge, although appointments are recommended.

For parents working on their family history, a small children’s area allows children to play nearby.

Today, the Las Vegas FamilySearch Center houses approximately 6,700 books and 260 maps in addition to its online research resources. Visitors can use FamilySearch, explore genealogical records, attend classes, preserve photographs and recordings, digitize family materials and receive assistance with their family history research.

The center is operated by FamilySearch, a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its resources are available to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

The anniversary program concluded with a reception for former directors, volunteers and others who gathered to commemorate the center’s 60 years of service.

The Las Vegas FamilySearch Center is located at 509 S. 9th Street in downtown Las Vegas. Center resources and services are free and open to the public.

Visit the FamilySearch Center website at: https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/las_vegas_nevada/https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/las_vegas_nevada/