Alabamians are invited to discover their own history. The Alabama Department of Archives and History is continuing to host workshops to help locals learn more about their roots and family trees. The two remaining events aim to help families continue to connect with their heritage and history.
Hayley Richards is a Communications and Development Associate for the Alabama Department of Archives and History. She said anyone interested in their history should use this opportunity.
“I don't think a lot of people realize just how much research and tools we have in our building. For example, we have our Research Room in the archives, and we allow people to come in and do research on their families and their family trees and get an idea of the history and where exactly they come from,” Richards said. “Because again, it's another thing where yes, people want to learn history in general, but we've realized people are really wanting to learn their own family history.”
The African American Genealogy workshop, called “Find Your Story”, hopes to tackle specific issues facing heritage research for African Americans. Richards explained that one of these issues is finding records for enslaved people can be very difficult. She said the event will feature a panel to allow people to ask specific questions and allow experts to provide help along with helping families begin their research.
“Our African American workshop is good, because there are rarely any records of enslaved people.” Richards explained. “This gives their families a place to start the research with our staff, the records and the tools we have on site, and we do host the workshop at the Archives itself.”
The other featured event is the Home of the Brave: Land and Military Research workshop. Richards said this workshop is going to focus on specific research techniques families can use to help uncover their stories. She explained there are many ways to find information that might not be obvious at first glance.
“This workshop is going to focus on where and how to find land and military records to enhance family research,” Richards said. “I don't think a lot of people realize that there are, you know, parts of the land and using maps and using the land instead of just books and other research methods.”
Richards encouraged anyone who is interested in history or genealogy to attend the workshops, and made it clear that all are welcome to attend. She said that these events are a great opportunity to learn more about family history as well as the research process.
“It's really a way for people who want to get their foot in the door for learning their family history, but also if they have a background in history and just want to come in, because people love to do this family research as a hobby as well.” Richards explained.
The African American Genealogy Workshop: Find Your Story workshop will take place on June 24th, from 9 AM to noon.
The Home of the Brave: Land and Military Research workshop will take place on July 8th, from 9 AM to noon.
Registration is $30 for the public and $20 for students or friends of the Archives. Participants are encouraged to preregister online. All workshops will be hosted at the Alabama Archives in Montgomery.