Genealogy Fair

Aaron T. Francis headshot

Kitchener Public Library is organizing its eighth annual Genealogy Fair on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Library. It is open to the public, with no admission charge. No registration is required to attend the Fair or any of the workshops.

This year, we are pleased to announce that Aaron T. Francis, curator of the digital archive, Vintage Black Canada, will be our keynote speaker! Francis will talk about his work documenting his Jamaican family heritage. Aaron's keynote address starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Theatre.

Speakers

Schedule may be subject to change.

9:30 a.m.
Keynote address: "From Ghana to the Grand River: A Jamaican Family Genealogy"
Aaron T. Francis

10:45 a.m.
"Discover the Truer Story of the Land Where Your Ancestors Settled"
Kae Elgie

"Uncover Your Family History at Waterloo Public Library"
Jenna Hazzard

11 a.m.
"Help! How Do I Start My Family Tree? Genealogy for Beginners"
Karen Ball-Pyatt

"What's in a Name? Cultural Conventions"
Paula Crooks

1 p.m.
"Researching Your Black Ancestors"
Peggy Plet

1:15 p.m.
"S.O.S. Save, Share and Organize Your Memories for Future Family"
Carolyn McNeil

"Ancestors in Uniform: Militiamen and their Families in Waterloo County"
Len Curchin

2:30 p.m.
"Researching Your British Home Child"
Dan Oatman

"Quick Start to Writing Your Ancestors Biographies Using Life Announcements"
Tammy Tipler-Priolo