In Idaho Falls, about two blocks from the Temple there is a FamilySearch History Center, where people can go and learn more about their ancestors and more about themselves as well. Tomorrow, the center will host a Black Family History Day where African Americans, Caribbean Americans and more can be a part of activities where oral histories and more are preserved.
“We have observed here in the valley that we have a fairly diverse community, Japanese American, Hispanic or Latino Americans, Black Americans, and we want to be able to reach out to those various groups and let them know that they can be a part of the family search programs and services that we have here to help them connect with their families and to learn more about their heritage,” said Bill Forsyth, the community outreach coordinator for the center.
The day has three activities, the first one starts at 10 a.m., recovers the names of slaves in American history, the second and third classes are for resources and oral histories.
This kind of information’s not exclusive but anyone can use it to find their ancestors and more.
“Anybody is invited that wants to come,” said Bob Comstock, the co-director of the center. “Anybody who would have an interest in reaching out to this specific heritage could be helped. The reality of it is the same information is used in lots of different areas too. And so we do the same kind of thing with like, you know, the Irish or if you're from England, there are specific things you can look up to help you find it in those areas. And we're just focusing on this area now.”
For more information about this event, click here.