The following was received from Paul Nauta at FamilySearch.org:
SALT LAKE CITY (November 2, 2012) – FamilySearch was recently recognized for its “continued dedication and support” of African family history research at the 2nd International Black Genealogy Summit, held at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City October 18-20. The conference theme was “Understanding Our Past to Grow into the Future.”
The Summit served as an opportunity for those from many black genealogical societies worldwide to gather together and take advantage of the tremendous resources conveniently available at FamilySearch’s Family History Library. Conference goers took frequent time out from conference sessions to research their roots and learn about their ancestors. Over 230 genealogists and society leaders were in attendance.
FamilySearch was a main sponsor of the international conference and provided various keynote speakers. Jim Ison, FamilySearch African American reference specialist and an Accredited and Certified Genealogist, was featured as a keynote speaker. He presented an engaging, real case study demonstrating how to use free FamilySearch resources online for conference goers to solve African American research challenges.
Conference attendees were given a tour of the Family History Library, took part in genealogy workshops and heard from Isabel Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The New York Times‘ bestseller, The Warmth of Other Suns. A special highlight for some of the attendees was the opportunity to hear the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Two attendees received an extra surprise when they were invited to participate in the choir’s weekly practice session.
“It was evident that those who attended the conference enjoyed researching in the Family History Library and appreciated the hands-on support of FamilySearch’s knowledgeable reference staff,” said Ison. “I have no doubt we’ve built many bridges and much goodwill here for FamilySearch with those attending the Summit. We look forward to the privilege of hosting them again in the future.”
Salt Lake City is host to ongoing, annual, genealogy-related conferences like the International Black Genealogy Summit and hundreds of thousands of visitors each year seeking to advance their family histories by using the vast resources of FamilySearch and expertise of its Family History Library staff.
FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources for free at FamilySearch.org or through more than 4,600 family history centers in 132 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.
