Inaugural Genealogy Fest
New Orleans' City Archives and Special Collections will be hosting its inaugural Genealogy Fest on March 9. The festival will be held at the New Orleans Public Library's main campus, located at 219 Loyola Ave., from 10:30 a.m. and until 3:30 p.m.
Patrons are encouraged to peruse through exhibits and learn about genetics via regional Louisiana genealogical, historical, cultural, and preservation organizations. A panel of local experts will also be in attendance to discuss the cultural significance of genealogy. Gaynell Brady, owner and educator of Our Mammy's, will be moderating a panel discussion that will begin at 1 p.m. and will feature representatives from the African American Genealogical and Historical Society (Louisiana chapter), LA Creole, Los Isleños, Museum of Southern Jewish Experience, Archives of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Laura Plantation, German-Acadian Coast Historical and Genealogical Society, and many more.
Over 30 booths featuring genealogical organizations will be at GenFest. Attendees will have the options to attend four different presentations surrounding the importance of preserving history and genetics.
Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the public library and promotion of literacy for all, will have a genealogy book sale with over 1,000 items for purchase.
New Orleans Public Library
The New Orleans Public Library, previously known as the Fisk Free and Public Library, opened their doors to the community on January 18, 1897. The original location in Lafayette Square had a collection of over 35,000 books. The main campus moved to the current Loyola Avenue location in 1958 after closing the Lee Circle campus.
Currently, the New Orleans Public Library has expanded to 15 libraries across New Orleans with a whopping 466,000 items to read. The New Orleans Public Library is dedicated to supporting the community by offering free services and resources for all to enjoy.
