The Amarillo Public Library, Amarillo Genealogical Society, and Panhandle PBS have joined up to host “Finding Your Roots: A Genealogy Open House” from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Downtown Library.
“It’s an opportunity for residents to be introduced to genealogy and what it looks like to start to tell your own family story,” said Karena Elliott, chapter registrar of Molly Goodnight DAR. “It can take up a lot of time, but it’s really fascinating and you can pick it up and put it down.
This free, come-and-go event invites community members to explore the Downtown Library’s extensive genealogical resources while enjoying selected Season 12 episodes of the popular PBS series “Finding Your Roots” with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Library staff and local genealogy volunteers will be on hand to assist attendees in accessing a variety of research tools, including both digital databases and print materials. Refreshments will also be provided.
“It can lead you down a wonderful rabbit hole of information,” Elliott said.
She said a number of genealogist and related community organizations would be there to assist people, especially those who are just starting out and want to know the first step or have come to a brick wall in their search.
Finding relatives who fought in the American Revolution
People who have an interest in discovering their family’s connection to the Revolutionary War, being the 250th anniversary of our nation, can have the opportunity to celebrate those patriots who may be related to them and who served on the front lines of the independence we celebrate today.
“One of the things I’ll be doing specifically is utilizing our link to the 200,000 plus individuals that have been confirmed as being revolutionary patriots,” Elliott said. “So, if you think you have a family tree with a patriot you can come to the library that day, and I will look up that individual. And if we find a match, I can tell you more about their service.”
Elliott told the story of a woman named Bethlehem Bowling who is recognized as a DAR patriot because she sold bushels of corn to the Revolutionary Army. “We have a paystub that shows that the patriot colonial army paid her for two bushels which was rendering material aid to the Army,” she said.
“I often tell people that if they haven’t found the skeletons in their family closet, they haven’t looked far enough,” she said with laugh. “We’ve got them all, and sometimes those are the best stories.”
‘Finding Your Roots’ explores ancestry of influential people on PBS
“Finding Your Roots” with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. airs on Panhandle PBS and explores the ancestry of influential individuals, uncovering the stories, struggles and triumphs that shape identity across generations. Hosted by the Harvard scholar, the series combines history and science to reveal the deep connections that bind us all.
“Events like this help people see that their own story matters,” said Cullen Lutz, Panhandle PBS community impact manager. “Whether you’re just getting started or have been researching your family for years, the library offers incredible tools to help you discover where you come from.”
At the open house, attendees will have the opportunity to view two Season 12 episodes:
Several local lineage societies will also be represented, including:
For more information about the event or available genealogy resources, visit amarillolibrary.org or call 806-378-3054.
Season 12 of “Finding Your Roots” airs on select dates in April on Panhandle PBS and is also available for streaming through the PBS app. Additional details can be found at pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Public Library helps seekers find family roots with PBS
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
