Family History Celebration Week

by Emmaline Hoffmeister, posted in Genealogy

“In all of us, there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage—to know who we are and where we came from.”

Alex Haley, author of Roots

Searching out your ancestors via “doing” genealogy has become a craze that has swept the world. Genealogy is the second most popular hobby in the U.S. after gardening, according to ABC News, and the second most visited category of websites. For many Americans, there is an emotional and intellectual reward that can come with discovering the identity of their ancestors.

“Family history is so much more than names and dates of ancestors on a sheet of paper. It’s stories and memories, family recipes and photographs, it’s personal artifacts and traditions,” said Jackie Malone, Director of the FamilySearch Center.

In the 1990s, digital technology and the Internet revolutionized the way large amounts of information could be reproduced, transferred, and retrieved. Moving genealogical databases online then made it possible for tens of millions more Americans to research their families in the comfort of their own homes.

“The WAGS Library and the FamilySearch Center have coordinated use of their facilities and educational materials and programs for decades,” said Hank LuBean, WAGS Board Member.

The Wenatchee Valley has so many resources to learn more about their past. Individuals can utilize both WAGS (Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society) and the FamilySearch Center to search records near and far.

“I love that the FamilySearch center has free access to many of the top genealogy websites. I can search Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, newspapers.com and so many more for free,” exclaimed a happy FamilySearch Center user.

These genealogical resources help millions of people around the world discover their heritage and connect with family members, but did you know that you have access to those resources for free? All you need to do is visit the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society or the Family History Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS) is partnering with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the week of October 9-15, 2022, to host a Family History Celebration with a Free Open House and Fair.

“The Open House and Fair is perfect for novice and seasoned genealogists. With family-friendly activities, even the smallest genealogist will be inspired to learn more about their family history,” stated Jackie Malone, Director of the FamilySearch Center.

The Family History Celebration week will offer:

  • FamilySearch* Center tours
  • Fun family-friendly activities
  • Genealogy workshops
  • FamilySearch website access
  • Learn to index records
  • Discover your family tree

The following is a list of the Family History Celebration events, times, and locations.

OCTOBER 
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
4 pm WAGS Library Tour

6 pm GladSong Benefit Concert		 2 pm WAGS Speaker Annette Burke Lyttle   7 pm FamilySearch Workshop with Hank LuBean 7 pm FamilySearch Workshop with Hank LuBean   1 to 4 pm FamilySearch Center Open House
Family History Celebration Week – Schedule
  • Sunday, October 9, 2022, beginning at 4:00 pm The WAGS Library will be open for informal tours. Then at 6:00 pm WAGS will be hosting a GladSong Benefit Concert at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center.
  • Monday, October 10, 2022, at 2:00 pm Annette Burke Lyttle, a WAGS Speaker will be speaking Her presentation, “Turn Family History Facts into Stories You Can Share” will be held in person at Douglas County PUD, 1151 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee, WA 98802. If you cannot attend in person, a zoom link is available. Contact WAGS for zoom details.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, at 7:00 pm Hank LuBean from the FamilySearch Center at 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802 will be offering a genealogy workshop. His workshop “Getting Started in FamilySearch.” will offer basic genealogy knowledge to all genealogy enthusiasts.
  • Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, at 7:00 pm Hank LuBean from the FamilySearch Center at 667 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802 will be offering a genealogy workshop. His workshop “Beyond the Basics in FamilySearch” will offer more in-depth genealogy knowledge to all genealogy enthusiasts.
  • Saturday, October 15, 2002, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm the FamilySearch Center will be hosting an open house for their center and encourages everyone to stop by 667 10th Street, NE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802 and see what their center has to offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.wags-web.org/News and Events, http://www.familysearch.org, or call (509) 241-8580.

FamilySearch is a nonprofit family history organization dedicated to connecting generations. The Family History Celebration Week, October 9-15, 2022, is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS).