Access to digitized microfilm during Covid
For Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I am interested in viewing the microfilms for "Orphans' Court records 1719-1856; Index 1719-1938", which is currently only visible in a Family History Center or Library (it is locked). Is there any other way to view them or is there staff in a FHC or FHL that can assist at a cost?
Best Answers
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Unfortunately, the restrictions on viewing records are set by those who own the records so we cannot make them available outside of those restrictions. Here is a link to an article that explains this more fully. https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/access-to-restricted-records-during-covid-19-outbreak
This article was found by clicking on the ? at the top of the page and typing Covid in the search box. Some Family History Centers are open on a limited basis. If you will let us know which center you are near, we may be able to determine whether they are open at any times.
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The Wiki page for the Austin Texas Family History Center states: The Austin Texas Family History Center is currently CLOSED until further notice due to the Corona Virus outbreak."
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Austin_Texas_Family_History_Center
As do the pages for the Oak Hills and Round Rock Centers
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Austin_Texas_Oak_Hills_Family_History_Center
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Round_Rock_Texas_Family_History_Center
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@Rick Wilson
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Rick
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As an aside ...
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You are not alone ...
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Some ,"Family History Centres" of the Church, around the World (and, "Affiliate" Libraries, around the World), have "Reopened", after the TEMPORARY "Closure" due to the "COVID-19" Pandemic.
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Unfortunately, the "Family History Library" (FHL) of the Church, in "Temple Square" in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; and, MANY "Family History Centres" of the Church, around the World, have not yet "Reopened" ...
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There is another option ...
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As the "Family History Library" (FHL) of the Church, in "Temple Square" in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA is still currently TEMPORALITY "Closed" (to the Public) due to the "COVID-19" Pandemic ...
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And ...
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IF, the "Family History Centres" of the Church (or, "Affiliate" Libraries) nearest you are still TEMPORARILY "Closed" due to the "COVID-19" Pandemic ...
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THEN, can I humbly suggest that you consider trying the following ...
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You could try one of the FREE 'On-Line' Consultations through the "Family History Library" (FHL) of the Church in, "Temple Square", Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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But ...
That said ...
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They are NOW called ... ( Genealogical ) Virtual Research Strategy Sessions
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Plus ...
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As as of this next week; as, "RootsTech" 2021, is commencing ...
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From 21 Feb 2021 - 26 February 2021 All our staff and volunteers will be offering genealogical consultations for RootsTech Connect. The link to sign up for a consultation during that time is provided [in the link below]
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Here is some links were you can access/book one of those Consultations ...
[ With the ORIGINAL images of the pages ... ]
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Engage with the Family History Library Online
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Engage_with_the_Family_History_Library_Online
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Family History Library Online Consultations
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Library_Online_Consultations
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I have seen/heard some good positive 'Feedback' from those who have used the service.
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But ...
That said ...
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Please be aware that you CANNOT be provided with a actual "Image" of that Record; but, you may be able to get (or, confirm) the information/details/data that you desire.
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'FamilySearch' may also be able to suggest where you can get a copy of the Record, other than through 'FamilySearch'; but, also at some expense, directly from the Record "Custodian"; or, through an external "Commercial" Website (eg. "Ancestry_com"; "MyHeritage_com"; ETC; Etc; etc ... ).
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Nothing ventured, nothing gained ...
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Good Luck.
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I hope this helps.
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Brett
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ps:
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And, here is a 'FamilySearch' "Blog" Article on the FREE 'On-Line' Consultations through the FHC ...
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https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/free-online-consultation/
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Thank you for this insight. I love in Austin, TX if that is helpful in determining if some centers have limited open times.
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Hi Brett. I really like the option of the consultant or virtual session. I'll be sure to check that out after Rootstech. Thank you!
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Thank you for helping me sort this out. I was afraid of this, but it is understandable.
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You are very welcome. I regret that the news is not any better.
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Rick, I suggest ringing the FHC (or Affiliate Library if appropriate), as the Wiki pages for each FHC are often out of date. It depends on how diligent the FHC volunteers are at updating the page.
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Thank you. I will do that. Good suggestion.
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You can view films at affiliated libraries. Contact the library ahead of time. I called two close to me and one said they were not an affiliated library and the other was still closed to the public at the time. https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/
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