21st Annual Family History Fair
-
by
Jill Taylor
In the News:
KLTV: 21st Annual Family History Fair Held in Tyler
12 News: WebXtra: 21st annual family history fair held in Tyler
6 WBRC: 21st annual family history fair held in Tyler
KTRE 9: 21st annual family history fair held in Tyler
21st ANNUAL FAMILY HISTORY FAIR -FREE FOR THE FAMILY AT NEW W.T. BROOKSHIRES CONFERENCE CENTER
East Texas residents are invited to 21st Annual Family History Fair on Saturday, November 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. 2000 W Front St, Tyler, TX 75702.
The fair “Family History…It’s all about FAMILY!” is sponsored by The East Texas Genealogical Society, FamilySearch.org, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We are honored this event continues to bless residents of East Texas each year,” said event-organizer Michele Bailey and local family history center consultant. “This year we have added a tremendous amount of value for our attendants, and we are thrilled to make it the biggest fair yet.” Bailey helps to oversee more than 3,000 members of her faith interested in family history all throughout East Texas. She has a passion for her community and for helping individuals connect with their loved ones.
Anyone interested in this fair is welcome to come on Saturday, November 18th. However, because of the large volume of attendants, it is encouraged to reserve your name tag at WeLoveFamilyHistory.com open from September 1 to November 13. Registration is free and open to the public. A schedule is also available online.
Speakers from all over the country including those with FamilySearch will be participating. FamilySearch is one of the top organizations in genealogy, with more than 13.9 million registered users.
“We are so humbled to have Don Warren, the Mayor of Tyler also attend this fair,” said Jill Taylor, media relations with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “His commitment to the families in Tyler is astounding, and we are thrilled he is able to join us.”
In addition to the mayor and renowned speakers, the fair will host breakout sessions with speakers for the community, including classes in Spanish. Breakout classes include beginner and advanced topics such as collecting memories, understanding DNA tests, preserving stories, finding specific ancestors, helpful apps, and utilizing the free extensive FamilySearch portal. Several presenters will share their wealth of knowledge and practical experience for anyone interested in genealogy. If you want to get behind a computer with an expert’s help there will be workshops available to reserve for a small cost. Both beginner and expert levels can be reserved online. Food trucks will be available as well as giveaways and door prizes.
The fair will have a “Kid’s Korner’ for children ages 3-12 to participate in fun activities as well as a “Teen Time” for ages 13-18. This is truly a day of fun for the entire family.
“This is the most extensive class list we’ve ever had for the fair,” said Bailey. “We worked hard to recruit instructors that really know their stuff. This event is featuring top presenters flying in from all over the country. We’ve never seen anything of this scale anywhere in Texas.”
“We are excited to host the event at the beautiful W.T. Brookshires Conference Center,” said President Daren Yeager with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “The facilities, parking, classrooms and overall feel of the fair will be much more comfortable to attendants. It is a truly a remarkable facility for the Tyler community.”
The fair will also showcase several displays and door prizes. All day there will be several vendors and sponsorship opportunities. Volunteers will be organized through JustServe. Those interested in being a volunteer, vendor or sponsor, please contact Michele Bailey at [email protected]. Registration is online September 1 at WeLoveFamilyHistory.com.
