Event Lectures and Symposia Family Secrets: Navigating Unexpected Genealogical Finds

Date and Location

Part of National Book Festival ; 2021 National Book Festival

Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.

Genealogy is a popular topic, and more people than ever want to find their roots. However, many do not think about the emotional fallout from learning or exposing family history. Explore resources you can use to deal with what happens when you discover unexpected information about ancestors. This session goes beyond how to discover who your ancestors are and focuses on the aftermath of finding your roots.

Presenters share examples of the secrets that family history research sometimes reveals (e.g., unknown associations, adoptions, slaveholding ancestors, inherited medical conditions). We use a few examples as case studies and provide resources that family history researchers can use to cope with the consequences of discovering surprising information about ancestors.

Learn more about the Library of Congress experts participating in the National Book Festival, including Candice Buchanan and Sheree Budge, specialists in local history and genealogy.

Multimedia