Frequently, I get questions from list members about films and Family History Centers. Since any genealogy list will always have people new to genealogy, I will answer the questions here.
1) How do I find a Family History Center (FHC)? FHCs are affiliated with the Church for Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Moroms). Not all LDS churches have FHCs. Their website, www.familysearch.org has a searchable database to locate one near you. The direct URL is here: http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp However, if you are anywhere near North Dartmouth, MA, their FHC has all the film for all 9 islands, and it has George Pacheco there too, who can give you some pointers on how to use the film and get started. It's best to email George first to find out what hours he's on duty, as the FHC is run by volunteers and if a volunteer is absent, there is no substitute. George: bretanha1...@yahoo.com 2) Do I have to be LDS/Mormon to use their facilities? No, they are free and open to the public. There is a cost for ordering and copying the film however. 3) How do I order the film/microfilm? Go to your local FHC and one of the volunteers there will help you fill out the form. You pay the ordering fee and wait for the film to come in. 4) Can I order the film/microfilm though my public library or local university? Some libraries are called FamilySearch Library Affiliates. These are mainly public libraries and genealogy libraries. To see a list, go here: https://devnet.familysearch.org/certification/affiliate-program/AffiliateCurrentLibraries (I think New Bedford is an affiliate, although I don't see them on the list). 5) I have the film and it's written in Portuguese. How come it's not in English? Because the vital records of Portugal are written in the official language of Portugal, which is Portuguese. 6) I don't want to go to a library or a FHC. I want to find my family online. Where do I find them? Although some records are online, it is no where near complete and will take many more years to finish. Some records can be found at the CCA site (Center for Knowledge of the Azores) and some at the NEPS site (something Population Studies). CCA: http://pg.azores.gov.pt/drac/cca/ig/ (use Internet Explorer (IE), Chrome, or Safari to access). NEPS (aka University of Minho site): http://www.neps.ics.uminho.pt/ Hope this helps those who are new to the genealogy adventure! Cheri Mello Listowner, Azores-Gen Researching: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada -- To unsubscribe from this group, send email to azores+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
