SALT LAKE CITY – a genealogy adventure for seniors!

Salt Lake City, Utah, the home of the Mormon Church, is also the repository of one of the largest genealogy collections in the world. It is not just a collection, but a large and active group of genealogists.

We recently went to Salt Lake City  because I have   an interest in genealogy and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Family History Library is the place to go. And we had to use up two Southwest Tickets. I  had not been there since 1953 (Boy Scout Jamboree in Irvine, California) when we stopped on the way.

Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Family History Library (Genealogy Center)

My focus was on the Genealogy Center. I am a member of the New Mexico Genealogy Society and like many old people am interested in stories out of my past. For example see: Bertha and Gertrude.

The Center is several stories high with several basements.  The main floor provides a hands-on genealogy experience; complete with the latest audio-visual equipment and interactive exhibits. You can track your ancestors.

The main research room consists of hundreds of computers and dozens of Elders who are available to assist you in your research. All  you have to do is raise your hand and a knowledgeable Elder is at your side explaining what you need to do. They are genealogy experts.

Computer Stations on the First Floor of the Genealogy Center.

You can spend all day there.

The library has every thing a genealogist needs; and, they are adding to it every day.

Organ

Every day at noon there is  a free organ concert; well worth attending.

The rest of Salt Lake City is interesting. We stayed a block from Temple Square in an AirBnB. We could walk everywhere, but there was also a tram.

There was a good restaurant for breakfast in a Church Building; however, no coffee. They directed us to a cafe down the street where we could get coffee to go. By the time I picked it up, my breakfast was ready.

We had dinner at Lyon House; cafeteria style.

The food is simple and the portions generous. Again, no coffee; and, no alcohol. Eating at non-church restaurants allowed us wine with our meals.

The  3 night trip exceeded our expectations. We arrived in the afternoon, took a $11 Lyft ride to The Kimball a block from Temple Square and settled in.

There are several church related museums.

We watched people line up outside the Temple to get married. There were dozens of groups waiting their turn to go into the Temple; non-church members are not allowed in.

There are genealogy sources in all  states at Mormon Churches.

You can find out about your ancestors without exposing yourself, your age, your ignorance, etc. Old People like to find out things anonymously.

What do old people want to know? Five “old” keys to the Salt Lake City trip:

1. Ease of getting there and around.
2. Cost – Salt Lake City is reasonable and walkable in the downtown area.
3. Safety and security. Salt Lake City felt safe and secure.
4. Interesting stories  to tell when you get home.
5. Preparation. Salt Lake City is easy to search and prepare for.

Think Old! Travel Now!