Did you know that the Granite Family History Center used to be the seminary building for Albion Middle School? When K-12 education was reconfigured in Canyons School District, middle schools were changed to house students from grades 6-8, and ninth graders were moved to local high schools. Because of these changes, seminary buildings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were no longer needed in the middle schools. The Albion Middle School Seminary building was adapted to become the Granite Family History Center. This is where the story of the Granite Family History Center begins.

In an article written by by James Tanner and posted to the Family History Guide titled: Considering the Future of Family History Centers, you can find a map showing the locations of Family History Center’s worldwide. One of the first things I noticed while I looked at the map is how blessed we are to have a Family History Center nearby. The Granite Family History Center, located across the street from Albion Middle School, at 2720 Newcastle Drive, in Sandy Utah, is truly in our back yard. The hours of operation for the center, are Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sundays 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. If you have questions and need to speak to someone you can reach them at 801-943-3005, during these same hours.

You can also find answers to questions and additional resources on our website, granitefhc.com, including an archive of videos and tutorials for classes that have been taught, a schedule for upcoming classes, and directions for scheduling activities for groups (Relief Society, Elders Quorum, Youth, large family groups) . You are welcome to come individualy or with friends or family, anytime during the normal hours of operation.

Some of the resources available at the Granite Family History Center include:

• Knowledgeable, trained Temple and Family History Consultants to assist you, as needed
• Multiple computer work stations with subscription genealogy websites available free of charge
• Two large rooms available to reserve for group activities (see website to schedule groups)
• Youth Temple and Family History Consultant training; Tuesdays – Thursdays 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• High quality photo, document, slide, and book scanners and trained consultants to help you
• Tuesday Evening Classes (see website for schedule)

In a meeting last week we learned that individuals and groups from across the valley, the state, and even from outside the state have come to the Granite Family History Center to work on their family history. When you join us at the center, you will truly feel the holiness of this place. The work being done in Family History centers, is an extension of the work being done in Temples. As we seek to gather our family and loved ones together, to prepare for their work to be completed in the temples we are indeed participating in a holy work, a work of salvation.

Whether you are a beginner to family history, a newly called (or not so newly called) Temple and Family History Consultant or anyone who has felt prompted to participate in this great work you are invited to the Granite Family History Center.

Elaine Hardman – GFHC – Communications