The Washington DC FamilySearch Center has served the Washington metropolitan community for nearly six decades, evolving from a small genealogy library into one of the nation's premier FamilySearch Centers.

The center began as the Washington-Potomac Branch Genealogical Library, opening on February 4, 1967, as the 42nd branch of the Genealogical Library in Salt Lake City. Located in the basement of the former Washington DC Stake Center on Randolph Road in Silver Spring, Maryland, it started with just two microfilm readers, a modest reference library, and an enthusiastic group of dedicated volunteers.

Even in its first year, the library served more than 1,300 visitors, remained open 468 hours, circulated over 1,100 microfilms, and was supported by 83 volunteer consultants—demonstrating the community's growing interest in family history.

As interest in genealogy expanded throughout the Washington region, so did the center. In 1985, it moved to its current location at the Washington DC Stake Center, adjacent to the Washington DC Temple in Kensington, Maryland.

For many years, the Washington DC Family History Center was recognized as the largest Family History Center in the metropolitan area and ranked among the busiest centers worldwide for microfilm circulation. It became known for its extensive collections, knowledgeable volunteers, and welcoming atmosphere for both beginners and experienced researchers.

The world of family history has changed dramatically. What once relied on microfilm readers, card catalogs, and printed indexes has transformed into a digital experience powered by FamilySearch and billions of searchable historical records available online.

In 2023, FamilySearch renamed Family History Centers worldwide as FamilySearch Centers, reflecting their broader mission of helping people not only research their ancestors but also discover, preserve, and share their family stories. 

Today, the Washington DC FamilySearch Center continues that tradition of service while embracing new technologies and expanding opportunities for the community.

Located next to the iconic Washington DC Temple in Kensington, Maryland, the Center is powered entirely by volunteers and sponsored by FamilySearch. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience or religious affiliation. 

Visitors enjoy free access to:

• Personalized one-on-one family history assistance 
• Millions of exclusive FamilySearch historical records 
• Premium genealogy websites 
• Memory Lane digitization equipment for photographs, documents, slides, negatives, VHS tapes, home videos, books, and other family treasures 
• Educational classes and Special Interest Groups 
• Discovery experiences that connect generations through family stories 
• Technology and guidance for preserving family memories 

As the Center expands its hours and outreach, it continues its founding mission: helping individuals and families discover their ancestors, preserve their memories, and strengthen connections across generations.

What began in 1967 with two microfilm readers has become a vibrant community resource serving visitors from across the Washington metropolitan area and around the world.

While the technology has changed, one thing has remained constant—the dedication of volunteers who freely share their time, talents, and experience to help others discover the stories that connect families across generations.

Today, the Washington DC FamilySearch Center remains committed to its original purpose: providing free family history resources, personal assistance, and a welcoming place where every visitor can discover, preserve, and share their family story.