FamilySearch Center's are few around me
I am in West Central Minnesota. There are very few options for me to visit an active FamilySearch Center. The 2 that are closest to me have very limited access hours listed on your site. If you try to call the numbers listed it tells you they have been disconnected. I wish there was more of an option in our state.
Peg
Answers
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Have you checked to see if your local public library is part of the Affiliate Library system? Not all restricted records are available at Affiliates, but many are.
Have you tried using the Remote Access Look-up Service? Family History Library Remote Access Services Request (Page 1 of 4)
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Peg, there may be some hope for more local access in the near future. According to Ken Richins NAO Tech Support Lead, the FamilySearch Portal may soon be available at all Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting houses, not just at FamilySearch Centers.
See that discussion at https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/488612#Comment_488612
Meetinghouse Locator at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/maps/meetinghouses/@35.624064,-97.476469,14
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The Premium Websites and the restricted records are now available (released January 17, 2023) in any Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse worldwide. You need to first connect to the meetinghouse Liahona WiFi. Instructions here. Then download the Chrome Browser Premium content browser extension version 3.1 or later. Instructions here.
The extension must be downloaded and pinned to your chrome browser while connected to the Liahona WiFi or all functions will not work. This will currently work on all Windows and Mac computers and laptops. It does NOT work on phones or iPads, or Android devices. It can be added to a Chromebook using the Google Chrome browser.
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THERE IS A NEW VERSION OF THE HELP PAGE.
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Well, this is unexpected...
This page contains information for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church membership can be linked to your account at registration or by going to your Account Settings.
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@Ken Richins - NAO Tech Support Lead The above message is what I get when trying to go to meetinghouse.
I was able to add the extension though. Peg
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verify that the extension is version 3.1 or higher and that you are in a meetinghouse and connected to Liahona WiFi. Also, make sure the extension is pinned to your browser bar and is GREEN if it is Gray you need to click it and wait for it to connect.
The second issue we see is downloading and installing the extension when not connected to Liahona.
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FamilySearch Center Premium Content
Unable to verify that you are currently in a FamilySearch Center.
Speak with center staff to correct this.
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I do have extension 3.1 version. If you want me to remove it and try again to connect to the first link i can try but it gives me the same response. Peg
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@Ken Richins - NAO Tech Support Lead I still cannot get the link to load or find a way to connect to Liahona wifi or not sure how to do this if link does not work. Peg
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@s10297588641 There is already an extension for Firefox. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/familysearch-premium-content/
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@Ken Richins - NAO Tech Support Lead
Please clarify:
Anyone who can access the Liahona wifi at a meetinghouse can access these premium websites and records through their own personal computer?
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@s10297588641 The portal connection is only at FSC or meetinghouses, not "everywhere."
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All please be aware that the Firefox extension is version 3.0.3 which does NOT work in FamilySearch Centers or in other Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouses. The only version of the extension that will now work is version 3.1 of the Browser Extension.
There is also an issue with Firefox and the security settings in the security system used in our buildings. To resolve the issue, follow the instructions on this link, Solutions to Error 15 • FamilySearch
We also know that the extension must be installed while connected to the Liahona network for the extension to properly function. If the extension is installed while connected to any other network it will only provide access to premium sites but will not allow records.
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So really it does not help when a person does not have a center nearby them. There are just not any near me.
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I am not connected with FamilySearch
Have you investigated Áine Ní Donnghaile's suggestion about Affiliate Libraries?. I live in Australia, not USA, but I have noticed there are FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries in relatively remote regional areas located in some of the public libraries.
Perhaps you could check out whether your local library would be willing to be become a FS Affiliate Library, see the following blogs etc
- How to Become a FamilySearch Affiliate Library June 6, 2019. FamilySearch Blog. The contact email address is now affiliatelibraries@familysearch.org (introduced 26 June 2021).
- Question: Are there alternatives to static IP for Affiliate Libraries? (More details[22])
- Frequently Asked Questions: FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries June 6, 2019 FamilySearch Blog.
- How do we become an affiliate library? FamilySearch.
0 - How to Become a FamilySearch Affiliate Library June 6, 2019. FamilySearch Blog. The contact email address is now affiliatelibraries@familysearch.org (introduced 26 June 2021).
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@Peg Beckstrand, FamilySearch Centers and meeting houses of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also. You may have one closer that a FSC. Check at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/maps/meetinghouses/
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@Ken Richins - NAO Tech Support Lead
This extension should give access to both the Portal Premium Websites as well as records on FamilySearch that are restricted to access within FamilySearch Centers?
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