The Chickerell Family History Centre

A recent meeting of the South Dorset Group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society, was addressed by Mervyn Dadds who is the Director of the Family History Centre in Chickerell. He explained that this unit was a part of the world-wide organisation known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which emphasizes the importance of family relationships. The Church believes that life on earth is just a small part of our eternal existence, and members should ensure that relatives, both living and dead, are baptized into the community. Accordingly, copies of original records of births and marriages, from more than a hundred countries are stored in the vaults of the Family History Centre at Salt Lake City in the USA.
These records are micro-filmed, and over 7000 rolls of film are received each month, to be processed by a staff of 60 people. These are available to Centres throughout the world, free of charge, so that members can identify their ancestors, and ensure the necessary ceremonies are performed. Mervyn stressed that at Chickerell he had just received a set of micro-films giving all the births and marriages held at the Family History Centre in London. In addition he now housed a copy of the International Genealogical Index (the I.G.I.), which was based on information processed at Salt Lake City. This was up-dated regularly, but as a result of a confidentiality ruling, a ban was in force covering the last 110 years. Material from the ten-yearly censuses held in the UK could also be obtained from America within a few days. The Centre is open on Thursdays, but it is advisable to phone Mervyn on 01305 787240 to ensure a seat is available.
 

Tony Johnson
 

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