Microfilm

Borrowing Microfilm from the Genealogical Society of Utah (LDS)

The Genealogical Society of Utah has been microfilming original records from around the world for almost 70 years. Since the 1970s, they have filmed in over 100 countries and amassed a wide variety of primary historical documents such as civil registrations, church, probate, census, land, tax and military records.

How to Locate the Genealogical Society of Utah's Collections

1. Go to www.familysearch.org. At the top of the page, choose the Library tab, and then the Family History Library Catalog tab.


2. Search the catalog by selecting place or surname. This will allow you to start with a broad search.
   • Place Search: enter the name of a town, county or state to see if your place is in the collection.
   • Surname Search: enter the last name to see if your family history is in the collection.
   • Warning: Make sure the format is microfilm. Each title's format is found in the Location box, found in the center of the screen (in a detailed record). If it is not microfilm, it cannot be borrowed by the WHS. However, note the title: you may find it or other records related to your family history in the WHS collection by using the MadCat online search.


3. When you find an item that is on microfilm, select the Film Notes tab to locate the reel numbers for ordering.

How to Place an Order

Remember that WHS may only borrow microfilm. We cannot currently borrow books or microfiche.

1. Once you have found a reel that you’d like to order, choose the method of ordering:


1. Order In Person or By Mail: Fill out the order form (PDF, 34 KB) and submit the completed form with payment to the Microforms Room staff.

Wisconsin Historical Society
Attn: Lori Bessler
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706


2. Phone orders: taken at 608-264-6536.


3. Email orders: taken at Lori.Bessler@wisconsinhistory.org. When e-mailing your order, do not include credit card information in the email. Credit card information may be phoned in or a check may be mailed.


2. Payment
1. $7.50 per reel
• Credit Card or
• Check (made out to the Wisconsin Historical Society)

Orders are placed by Microforms Staff on every Tuesday and Thursday. It usually takes 2 weeks for delivery. Some microfilm may be designated as being on backorder, which adds a couple of weeks to the delivery date.

Notification will be by phone or email when the film arrives. The loan period is 30 days.

Renewals will cost $5.50 and will add 30 more days to the borrowing time.

The GSU microfilm cannot leave the Microfilm Room and must be used on site only.