The Wellington County Museum and Archives is inviting residents to dig into their roots with a full day dedicated to uncovering family histories, exploring local heritage, and learning how to preserve the past for future generations.
The Genealogy Fair takes place Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum in Aboyne, offering access to expert speakers, hands-on tools, and resources for everyone from first-time family historians to seasoned researchers.
"We’ve held a genealogy fair in the past, before the pandemic, and we really felt it was time to bring it back," said Karen Wagner, Archivist at the Wellington County Museum and Archives. "There’s an Ontario-wide genealogy event hosted by Ontario Ancestors, but we wanted something more local, something that gives our community direct access to helpful speakers and resources."
The event will feature five expert presentations, each focused on a different aspect of genealogy and family history research. Topics range from free online search tools to rare archival materials and techniques for preserving family heirlooms.
Among the featured speakers is Manuel Sanhueza, Regional Manager of FamilySearch International, who will walk participants through how to make the most of FamilySearch.org, a free international genealogy platform that also includes Ontario-specific data.
Local conservator Emily Benedict, who works at the museum, will give practical advice on how to preserve family treasures, everything from old letters and photographs to digital images and sentimental objects like handmade furniture or wedding dresses.
Susan Arness, a certified genealogist, will offer a session on using ONLAND.ca, a free platform containing Ontario land registry records that can reveal where ancestors lived and how long they stayed on a particular property.
Retired University of Guelph professor Catharine Wilson will highlight the Rural Diary Archive Project, which digitizes personal diaries from Ontario’s past to offer a day-to-day look at what life was really like. Wagner says those entries can add "color and flavor" to family stories and help researchers connect names and dates with real-life experiences.
Finally, educator and performer Tracy Cain will present on Black Canadian history in Wellington County, spotlighting the contributions of families who settled in areas like Peel Township (now part of Mapleton) in the mid-1800s.
"These are often overlooked narratives in local genealogical research and they’re an essential part of our shared history," Wagner said.
In addition to the presentations, a vendor marketplace will feature books, research services, and local genealogical societies, including representatives from the Wellington County branch of Ontario Ancestors. Attendees are encouraged to bring specific family questions and documents to make the most of the fair.
While many resources are increasingly available online, Wagner emphasized the continued importance of archives.
"People are more interested in genealogy than ever before, but there are still many records, especially local ones, that will never be online. That’s why archives matter. That’s why events like this matter," Wagner said.
The museum is also working to digitize local newspapers, one of the most valuable resources for family research.
"No matter who you are, at some point your name shows up, maybe for a birth, death, school event, or community involvement," Wagner noted.
Pre-registration for the fair is required due to limited space. The $20 fee includes access to all presentations, vendors, and museum resources. Lunch will be available for purchase on-site. To register, visit: wellington.ca/form/genealogy-fair.