Friends of Pocatello Idaho FamilySearch Center

03/30/2026

03/26/2026

We're getting quite an assortment of old memorabilia left by guests who forget to take them home after using our audio/visual equipment. We will secure them for a short time, but will eventually have to dispose of them. Items that have been left include Photos, Slides, VHS, DVD's, CD's, 8m tapes, Documents, etc.

03/15/2026

Wearing green clothing is one of the most common traditions in Ireland. A tradition started by Americans included wearing green to avoid being “pinched"!
Many Irish people also wear a shamrock on the lapel, a custom that goes back generations.
Parades are a major part of St. Patrick’s Day, especially in cities like Dublin, New York, Chicago, Boston, etc. Interestingly, parades actually began in America, not Ireland, and later became part of Irish celebrations too.

02/26/2026

As we bid farewell to February 2026 the month of March will be welcomed. March has a rich historical and cultural significance.
For example:
- March is named after the mighty Mars, the Roman god of war.
- The Vernal Equinox balances the scales of night and day and signals the start of a new season of growth and renewal.
- The first day of March is celebrated as National Pig Day in the United States.
- Day Light Saving Time begins on March 8th inviting us to March forward.
- For the Irish St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th as a public holiday in Ireland, and is also celebrated in many other countries.
- In ancient Rome, March was the start of the new year.
- However-March 44 BC saw a major power play by Julius Caesar, as he took control of time by changing the Roman calendar. With a stroke of his pen, he added ten days to the year and shifted the start of the year from the end of March to January 1st.
Welcome MARCH 2026!!!

02/04/2026

VALENTINE'S DAY | PERSONAL TOUCHES

Handwritten Letters in a Digital Age

In a world of instant messages and quick emails, a handwritten letter stands out as something deeply personal.

While technology makes it easier than ever to communicate, the effort of putting pen to paper carries a timeless power that no emoji or text can replicate.

A LASTING IMPRESSION

Handwritten notes show a level of care and attention that digital messages rarely convey. The distinctive curve of a person's handwriting, the choice of stationery and even the occasional crossed-out word create an intimacy that typed words cannot. Recipients often save these letters for years, tucking them away in drawers or boxes as keepsakes.

Historians and biographers treasure handwritten correspondence because it offers glimpses into the emotions and personalities of the past.

From love letters during wartime to the correspondence of famous authors, the act of writing by hand has long been linked to authenticity and depth of feeling.

CRAFTING A TIMELESS NOTE

Writing a meaningful letter doesn't require perfect penmanship or elaborate prose.

What matters most is sincerity. Begin with a warm greeting then speak directly from the heart. Share specific memories, express gratitude or simply describe why the recipient matters to you.

Choosing the right tools can also add significance. Quality paper or stationery, a fountain pen or even a favorite ballpoint can make the writing process feel more intentional.

Personal touches such as doodles, pressed flowers or a wax seal can transform a simple message into a treasured keepsake.

For those unsure of what to say, start small. A single paragraph of encouragement, a short anecdote or even a favorite quote can carry immense meaning. The goal is not perfection but connection.

A GIFT THAT ENDURES

While chocolates and flowers may fade, a letter can be read again and again. It captures a moment in time, preserving feelings in a way that can outlast the holiday itself.

In an era when so much communication disappears with a swipe or a click, receiving a letter in the mail feels almost like receiving a gift. The envelope, the postmark and the anticipation of opening it all add layers of delight.

Though technology continues to evolve, the art of the handwritten letter offers a reminder that slowing down and choosing words with care can be one of the most enduring ways to say I love you.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY- SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH

02/01/2026

Check it out! At the end of August, FamilySearch released full-text search as a feature on their main website. In a nutshell, full-text search enables you to search for keywords in the actual text of the record, even if the record has not yet been indexed.

At the end of August, FamilySearch released full-text search as a feature on their main website. In a nutshell, full-text search enables you to search for keywords in the actual text of the record, even if the record has not yet been indexed. Previously, unindexed records could be quite difficult to...

12/15/2025

We will be closed for the Christmas Holiday beginning Wednesday, December 24th 2025 thru Sunday, January 4th 2026. We will reopen Monday January 5th 2026. See ya next year and have a Wonderful Holiday!

12/15/2025

5 Ways to Light the World with Family History!!

1. Add What You Know to FamilySearch.
2. Share a Fond Memory with a Loved One.
3. Visit an Elderly Neighbor.
4. Help Others Research Their Genealogy.
5. Learn How Another Culture Celebrates Christmas.

11/13/2025

A heads up for the Pocatello FamilySearch Center upcoming Thanksgiving holiday! Have a great holiday. We'll reopen Monday, December 1st at 9 a.m.

11/10/2025

We will be open Tuesday, November 11th--Veterans Day. Visit the Center and let us help you learn about your favorite Veteran. We will be open Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.