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Family History Fair and Fireside set for Nov. 19, 20
Saipan’s Family History Fair will take place on Nov. 19 at the American Memorial Park’s amphitheater, while a Fireside event will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Nov. 20.
The Saipan Family History Fair is an annual event that takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, to continue the knowledge of one’s genealogy, a line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor. It is based on the Family History Fairs held in Guam.
Valrick Welch, Project Traditional Technology project manager, said, “The Family History Fairs and Firesides are where the community is invited to learn about collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. The past History Fairs had Herman Guerrero share some interesting stories about his ancestors.”
Several topics that will be covered in the program include: how to take digital photos of people and artifacts, DNA genealogy, how to use the website Familysearch for researching genealogies, as well as student entertainment being included into the program along with songs shared by the elders.
“Project Traditional Technology’s main purpose is to increase intergenerational communication. In other words, make technology part of the solution, rather than let it be the cause of the intergenerational gap. The history fairs focus on the use of technology for researching family trees, recording stories, sharing stories, and preserving memories,” Welch said. “I would like to thank the late Dr. Ishmael Stagner, for his input into the development of Project Traditional Technology and his permission to use his research and ideas for the project.”
