I've worked for FamilySearch (LDS Family History Dept.) for nearly 4.5 years. There are still a lot of firsts at work, but nothing like today, for today I was given security clearance to visit the Granite Mountain Records Vault (GMRV). For those that might not be familiar with this one-of-a-kind facility it's the LDS Church's vault where they house, among many other records, nearly 2.5 million microfilms containing records from around the world (records most used in genealogical research). There is some serious red-tape to get into the GMRV, but I was lucky enough to have a meeting there today (our anniversary). Pictures are not allowed, but here are a couple of highlights:
- The vault's door weighs 14 tons, and yes I opened and closed it on my own.
- Largest genealogical collection in the world in the best preservation site in the world.
- "The Fountain of Life" - The GMRV uses spring water to help keep it at ideal preservation conditions (55 F and 35% humidity). BTW - There was an old knight that guarded the fountain - and there were a lot of different goblets, cups, etc. to choose from - good thing I watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I'm still alive, so I must have chosen wisely!
- I can now confirm that there is a Church History vault - I'm not supposed to talk about it, in fact I could lose my job for blogging about it, but it's true - there is a Book of the Prophets - you should see what's on page 47. You might want to hurry up on that food storage!
- I asked to see the Sword of Laban - but it was patiently explained to me that they only have Laban's head, and I didn't really want to see that.
9 comments:
Here I was expecting some lovely tribute about your wife, and you blog about genealogy. I hope you bought Tricia something nice for your anniversary.
I've heard of that place. Nice to know it officially exists. I bet you were like a little boy in a candy store.
Hey, did you have to pass through three 'tests' to get to the Fountain of Life (i.e. kneel, step on letters, leap of faith)? :-)
Happy Anniversary!! I'm not quite sure what to believe - could you really lose your job if they know???
I hope you explain which of those things are really jokes, just in case someone not of our faith reads this. They might start to wonder...
Happy Anniversary you two.
Happy Anniversary! That is impressive that you opened that door all by yourself.
That is really cool. I would love to see that place (I guess your colorful description is the best I'll ever do). I hope Tricia's day was as great as yours! Happy Anniversary!
Funniest anniversary post I've ever read.
Amie - My anniversary day wasn't quite as grand, but, sad to say, I actually kept forgetting that it was our anniversary this year. Each year I forget more and more, because it's so close to Christmas. We went out to eat, and that's all I really care about.
So did Lynn like his anniversary gift? :)
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