The City Archives and Special Collections is excited to present the inaugural GenFest on March 9 at the New Orleans Public Library’s Main location (219 Loyola Ave.).
Stop by between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to browse information and exhibits from regional Louisiana genealogical, historical, cultural, and preservation organizations; informational programs from local experts; and a genealogy panel featuring representatives of many local heritage organizations.
A panel discussion moderated by Gaynell Brady – owner and educator of Our Mammy’s – starts at 1 p.m. Panelists include representatives from the LA Chapter African American Genealogical and Historical Society, La Creole, Los Isleños, Museum of Southern Jewish Experience, Archives of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Laura Plantation, German-Acadian Coast Historical and Genealogical Society, and more.
Archivist Amanda Fallis organized the event and said GenFest is a way for the City Archives to bring together southeastern Louisiana genealogical, preservation, historical and cultural organizations to share their mission and story with festival attendees and each other.
“Putting together our very first GenFest has been a wonderful experience,” said Fallis. “Communicating with all the amazing people keeping preservation, history, genealogy, and culture alive in our community has been inspiring and humbling. I cannot wait for Library patrons to join our organizations, presenters, and panelists in a celebration of knowledge and legacy.”
Tables from over 30 Southeastern Louisiana genealogical, preservation, historical, and cultural organizations will be at the event. Attendees will also enjoy four different presentations about genetics, collecting and preserving images, and cemetery history and records.
The Friends of the New Orleans Public Library will also have a second-hand genealogy book sale featuring over 1,000 items. Shannan Cvitanovic, executive director of the Friends said they are “thrilled to support this event.”
“The Library’s archivists feel the urgency of preserving family histories, particularly those of marginalized groups,” Cvitanovic said. “GenFest gives family historians, both new and experienced, the tools they need to preserve our stories before they are lost. We cannot wait to feel the energy of so many story tellers and story gatherers in one place. It will be both educational and emotional.”
For details and up-to-date information, visit nolalibrary.co/GenFest2024.