With individual iPads, theaters, full-wall displays, and interactive timelines, the Family History Discovery Center looks like something more out of Star Trek than Temple Square.
First off, they hand you an iPad. You sign up with your lds.org password and presto! Your family tree is already right there. That means all you have to do is wander the interactive, full-wall displays, plug in your iPad, and enjoy.
At one station, you can look up how many people in the United States have your name and where they live as well as discover the song of the year, the Academy Award-winning movie, the price of gas, and other interesting tidbits about when you and your ancestors were born.
At other stations, you can experiment with an interactive world map showing where all your relatives come from and you can discover your first relative who joined the Church. Be sure to check out the theaters that show interactive timelines of significant events for your ancestors' and world history or record your own story for future generations. Learn more here.
There’s a new place on historic Temple Square where guests can explore their family history. The Family History Library opens its doors to the interactive discovery experiences Wednesday, February 8, 2017. The new 10,139 square foot attraction, located on the main floor of the world’s largest genealogy library, uses technology to introduce visitors to their family tree. Admission is free to the public.
“This multi-million-dollar project enables personalized interactive exhibits to connect families with their ancestors,” said Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during the grand opening event.
Elder Renlund said the new center is a gift to the community. “This discovery center is the first major change in the interior appearance of the Family History Library in several decades.”
He used a series of words to describe the center, including identity, family, heritage, eternity and love. “Whether one believes in God or not, these things ground us and help us know who we are,” said Elder Renlund.