Hundreds of amateur and professional genealogists from nine states, descended on Delaware last Saturday to attend "A Family History Event" presented by the Wilmington Delaware Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at their meetinghouse in Newark.
Event organizers were thrilled with the turnout at the first of its kind event in Delaware.
About 400 people came to see interactive exhibits and cultural rooms featuring online genealogical resources and research tools, enjoy a world of regional food and dress, and hear experts like Daniel Lynch dole out advice on searching for family roots.
Lynch gave research tips from his award-winning book, “Google Your Family Tree,” said event co-chairwoman Andrea Osinchak. Paul Smart and Paul Nauta represented FamilySearch.org, one of the most heavily used genealogy sites on the Internet.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to research their genealogy and to keep a record of their own lives, said Flora McConkie, director of public affairs for the Delaware church.
"We believe that families are central to our lives and that those relationships are eternal,” she said.
They enjoy sharing the gift with others.
A few weeks ago, church President Thomas S. Monson visited President Obama at the White House and presented him with five large, leather-bound volumes that detail his family history going back hundreds of years. Earlier this year, Osinchak, a professional genealogist, presented then-governor Ruth Ann Minner with a family history which she had compiled at the request of local Mormon leaders.
Attendees were also invited to participate in FamilySearch's online indexing project, transcribing records that will soon be available, without charge, at FamilySearch.org. Some 350 records were transcribed and submitted during the event.
W. Wynn John presides over the Wilmington Delaware Stake, a geographic area, similar to a diocese, which includes 15 congregations scattered throughout Delaware and parts of Maryland. The state has 5,000 members. Many of those members served as volunteers for the event.
