Turning hearts through quality training in
family history and computer technology

Testimonials

Here's what our students are saying about the Five-Day Class.

I wanted you to know that I have been singing your praises—and the class's praises—since the August session. Several of my friends have signed up for future courses. I thought it was the best run seminar I have ever been to--and the best way to learn how to do genealogy. You run a tight ship—and that is high praise from a school teacher who knows about tight ships :)
Debbie Harrison, American Fork

As we began our participation in your course, there was some level of apprehension that yet another "predictable" experience was in store.  Nothing could have been further from the truth!  We are eager to share with you that in our combined experiences, we have never before attended a more organized, well-staffed, and better facilitated training event!  We are certain our conclusion comes as no surprise to you, as our experience has obviously been well-engineered by you and your Executive Committee, and for us to have come to any other conclusion would have simply been unexpected by you.

Your model of having computers and individual staff assigned to each participant is a luxury unavailable in the commercial world.  And the caliber of your staff is unmatched elsewhere; each one took a personal interest in our success, and had the background to assure such an outcome for each one of us.  Our course notebook is priceless!

Your curriculum, and the punctuality with which it is administered, is obviously the product of many, many hours of superb group planning mixed with years of trial and error.  You are able to accommodate essentially every level of student aptitude and guide it to a successful conclusion.
Chris and Susan Noble — Lehi, UT

I took the 5-day course this week, and it was wonderful! I felt like I had eaten the greatest meal in the world. Very satisfying.

I was impressed by the program. I have been a corporate trainer for many years (before retiring), and therefore have some experience in instructing adults. You and your trainers are excellent. The printed materials, the classroom lectures, and the one-on-one computer lab experiences were wonderful examples of teaching. (My wife could hardly believe that each student had a personal computer trainer at our elbows to help us through the exercises.) The instructors were endlessly kind and patient, gently urging us on. Thank you for this experience. I am already putting the training into practice.
Taylor Macdonald — Pleasant Grove, UT

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the staff of the Family History Training Center for all their help and instructions. I have learned a lot! I am trying to encourage our leaders and my family members and friends to attend the training. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

I have had a wonderful and very spiritual week which helped me strengthen my testimony about the temple and temple work. Learning more about the research process and the tools that are available to assist us with it got me fired up to do more genealogy for my ancestors and to help others to look for them and get their temple work ready. This is the work of the Lord to bring families together and help us and me to grow spiritually. It helps "to bring to pass immortality and eternal life of man." It helps me feel who I am and helps me to find strength in daily life to live the Gospel.
Renata Speir — Wells, NV

Thank you for the wonderful training class. It is one of the best seminars I've ever taken. The lectures were clear and right to the point. The exercises that followed were perfect for reinforcing what we had just heard..... So many talented people willing to give of their time made this week so enjoyable. I admire the great brains and the wonderful humor that you all have. How could I ever explain how much I enjoyed the time with you this last week? Words cannot express.... Thank you so much. Thanks to the whole group of you. You are all angels ... brilliant angels and I'm so thankful to have been with you and learned from you. May you be blessed in the work and service that you give. With love and thanksgiving.
Peggy Davis — Santa Ana, CA


My husband, Charles, and I attended the family history classes in March 2002 and have been busily teaching our ward members since then. It was such a great class — certainly worth many times the time and effort to attend. We so appreciate the time and effort of the volunteers, teachers, presenters, etc. We also appreciate the valuable book of materials that we refer to often.
Mary Lou Burgoyne — Bountiful, UT

I recently returned from the week long Family History Training Seminar put on by the Utah South Area Family History Training Center. I just want to tell you what a wonderful week it was and what a great job the staff has done in setting up this course and presenting the material. The information was presented in a very logical, systematic way, followed by one-on-one help at the computers to facilitate learning at each individual's level. The topics covered were relevant to anyone working in a family history calling or anyone just wanting to improve their own basic knowledge for their own personal benefit.
Judi Lee — Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I want to express my deepest gratitude to you and your staff for a most wonderful week attending the Utah South Family History Training Center. You are well organized, magnificently trained, and full of love and the Spirit—and it shows. The course was extensive, yet manageable. Having personal trainers for each of us was absolutely the best (and they knew the material too). I can't believe how fast the week went by and now I am excited to get those ancestors, who are in need of help, blessed by submitting their names and doing the work...Thanks again for your training and inspiration.
Ed J. Pinegar — BYU 20th Stake President

My wife June and I want to thank you and all of your associates for the instruction you gave to us while we attended your classes. It was the most outstanding workshop we have ever attended. We came home with a great desire to work on our family history. I have found it to be very helpful in my calling as a Family History Consultant in our Ward.
William Davies — Bakersfield, CA

First, let me thank you for the single, most significant training exercise I have ever attended. When one contemplates the eternal perspective, it is easy for me to make such a statement. (I've attended my share of training exercises in over 45 years of military, education, and Criminal Justice arenas.) Again ... from the bottom ... top ... and inside of my heart and soul ... I love you people ... my ancestors are rejoicing and pushing on my Spirit to get to work.
Wayne L. Wickizer — Mountain Home, UT

This was the BEST training I have ever attended, in or out of the Church. I have worked in retail and was a trainer and manager. I attended business seminars and training, including Symposium for Seminary and this training was the BEST I ever attended. It was well organized and they covered all aspects of training, focusing on the computer. Everything from beginning input data into PAF all the way through doing a Temple submission. I was blown away by the organized way they taught each subject, and the following computer lab, always with someone right at your side. Each lesson built on the previous lessons.
Bonnie Petrovich — Valencia, CA

It is worth your time to spend the week in Provo at the Utah South Family History Training course. I was there in May and had a great time. The team is experienced and very knowledgeable. The time is well spent and never gets boring. I considered myself an intermediate/advanced ward FHC when it comes to knowledge of programs. Yet, I still learned something new everyday and had fun while doing it. I was especially impressed to be in a room with 22+ other people who really cared about doing a good job as an FHC and doing it right. There is no quick fill in the blanks and take the name to the temple. Rather, correct research principles are taught and strongly encouraged. These instructors are excellent and the one on one training was great. At no time was I bored in spite of the long days. And you certainly cannot get this kind of training anywhere in or out of the Church for $40!
Margie Beldin — Kennewick, WA

We were very impressed with the quality, dedication, and versatility of the staff. The well-planned presentations certainly held our interest. The staff always had the very latest available information on family history, from which we benefited. This has to be the finest family history course in the Church. I have not heard of any other that has been organized in this superb way. Other courses try to address the needs of many, the Utah South Area addresses the needs of the individual student. In our opinion, your course is by far the most effective way of teaching family history. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to partake of this inspiring experience.
David and Betty Loveless — Salt Lake City, UT

Volunteer Opportunities

See family history volunteer opportunities here.