Was your great-great grandfather an adventurer, a rogue or a famous politician? Salt Lake City is one of the best places in the world to find out.
Salt Lake has the most exhaustive genealogical records in the world, located within the Family Search Library in downtown Salt Lake City. The database contains over a billion names. Computer searches are free and volunteers who are experienced genealogists are on hand to assist library patrons. But what does all of this have to do with economic development?
These family history resources bring thousands of people a year to the state, some of whom have never visited Utah before. One recent family history conference alone attracted nearly 7,000 people! They spend money while they’re here, and many return with their families for vacations. The city’s rich resources also have led to formation of numerous businesses, such as Utah’s Ancestry.com, which employs 700 people.
Still think family history isn’t a basis for big business? Late last year, Ancestry.com completed the sale of a partial stake in the company for $1.5 billion. Ancestry.com and similar companies aren’t only about family searches, either. They have expanded into other types of business, including DNA testing. And as they branch out, they facilitate the creation of other businesses that form, relocate or expand in Utah to be closer to a community – and its residents – so devoted to genealogy!