From the First Floor of the Family History Library

As I usually do, I took some photos while in Salt Lake City. Previously, I posted photos of my Fall 2006 trip to the Family History Library (FHL), Temple Square, and the Salt Lake City Main Public Library . Today, I’m presenting some photos from the first floor of the FHL. The first floor of the library houses the collections of Family Histories and Biographies (formerly located in the Joseph Smith Building) and also includes the orientation room and a large classroom.

The Eternal Family Through Christ

Visitors to the FHL are greeted with this painting as they enter the lobby of the Family History Library. Painted by Judith Mehr and entitled The Eternal Family Through Christ, the painting measures 7 feet by 23 feet. The work attempts to show the overall plan of salvation and the theme of family togetherness, as espoused in LDS church doctrine.

The Forward Movements of Man

This diagram on one of the first floor walls attempts to show the developments of man throughout the geologic ages.

The Stacks

A few years ago, all the Family Histories and Biographies were kept in the Joseph Smith Building, not in the FHL. Unfortunately, this arrangement made the collection less accessible, since few patrons of the FHL ventured over to the Joseph Smith Building . The collection is now located on the first floor of the FHL. If you’re impressed by the number of Family Histories and Biographies in this aisle, be aware that there are seven more aisles just like it.

The Orientation Room

New visitors to the FHL are encouraged to visit the Orientation Room on the first floor of the FHL to learn about the library, to view a film about Family History Research, and to ask questions before venturing into the rest of the library.