Finding Resources at the Midwest Genealogy Center for FamilySearch

Finding Resources at the Midwest Genealogy Center for FamilySearch

This guide will walk you through how to identify and access resources available through the Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) that are searchable on FamilySearch.org.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start at FamilySearch.org: Begin by navigating to the FamilySearch website (www.familysearch.org) in your web browser.
2. Sign In: Click the "Sign In" button in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Enter your FamilySearch username and password, then click "Sign In" again.
3. Navigate to the Catalog: Once you're logged in, hover over the "Search" tab at the top of the page and click on "Catalog" in the dropdown menu.
4. Perform a Place Search: In the "Place" field of the catalog search, type "Independence, Missouri, United States" or "Jackson, Missouri, United States." These are the primary geographical areas served by the Midwest Genealogy Center.
5. Initiate Search: Click the "Search" button. This will bring up a list of resources related to Independence and Jackson County, Missouri, and the MGC's holdings.
6. Filter Your Results: On the left side of the results page, you will find various filters. These filters are important for narrowing down the vast catalog:
   • Place: Verify that the "Place" filter reflects your intended area. Sometimes broadening this slightly (e.g., from Independence to Jackson County) will yield more results.
   • Record Type: Use the "Record Type" filter to select the type of records you are looking for. Common options include "Birth Records," "Marriage Records," "Census Records," "Probate Records," and "Land Records."
   • Locality: This filter helps you to refine where the record is from in the defined place.
7. Review the Search Results: Carefully examine the list of search results. Each entry will provide information about the resource, including its title, author, and a brief description. Look for entries that explicitly mention the Midwest Genealogy Center or Jackson County Genealogical Society (JCGS), as the latter often contributed to the MGC's collection.
8. Examine Availability: Click on the title of a promising resource. This will take you to a detailed page with more information. Scroll down to the "Film/Digital Notes" section. This section will indicate whether the resource is available online.
9. Access Online Resources: If the "Film/Digital Notes" section indicates that the resource is available online, there will be a camera icon. Clicking this icon will take you to the digital images of the resource. Be aware that some resources may be restricted to viewing at a FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library (like the MGC).
10. Note the Resource Details: If the resource is not available online but appears relevant, note down the title, call number, and other identifying information. You can then contact the Midwest Genealogy Center directly to inquire about accessing the resource. You can also check other websites like WorldCat.org using the title and the MGC to see if the resource is there.

By following these steps, you can effectively identify and access valuable genealogical resources available through the Midwest Genealogy Center via FamilySearch.org. Remember to be patient and persistent, as finding the right records may take time and effort. Good luck with your family history research!