Family History Celebration Set for October 26th in Winchester

The community is invited to a Family History Celebration on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the FamilySearch Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 399 Apple Pie Ridge Road in Winchester. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free for all interested in discovering and celebrating family history. Participants are encouraged to wear cultural clothing and bring laptops or iPads for training sessions.

This annual event is packed with activities, including training classes, food tastings, a scavenger hunt, and cultural displays. Attendees will also have the chance to hear from two keynote speakers: Stuart Scott, a motivational speaker from Richmond, and Barry Lee, a popular local radio personality. Scott’s presentation will focus on the importance of family history research, particularly within the African American community. At the same time, Lee will share personal stories from his genealogical journey at the FamilySearch Center.

In addition to the speakers, several local historical organizations will participate, including Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Winchester-Frederick Historical Society, Clarke County Historical Association, the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, and more.

In anticipation of the event, FamilySearch Center coordinator Michael Gonzales quoted an old Chinese proverb: “To forget one’s ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root.” He encourages the community to attend and “learn how to connect to your family tree and discover who you are.”

A regional family history consultant, Barry Bryant, also emphasized the emotional connections from exploring family history. He highlighted the importance of moving “from charts to hearts,” suggesting that family history is about more than just dates—it’s about forming lasting connections with one’s heritage.

The Winchester FamilySearch Center is part of a global network of over 4,600 centers in 126 countries. It provides free access to genealogical resources and is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.

For more information about the FamilySearch Center and its hours, visit the Winchester FamilySearch Center website.