Genealogy Resource Fair to be held in March

The upcoming Genealogy Resource Fair will be held March 23rd, 9am-4pm, at the Georgia Southern Continuing & Professional Education building. This the second genealogy fair for Statesboro, spearheaded by Lillian Wingate, Regional Genealogy & Local History Coordinator at the Statesboro Regional Library. Last year the event was held at the library and drew hundreds of people from all over the region. 

The event will be a full day of presentations given by genealogical and historical societies from all across Georgia. There will also be an expo hall for vendors and exhibitors. The event focus will be on genealogy resources. 

Wingate says, "It's not a ‘how to do your genealogy,’ though there will be many people to assist with that, it’s 'this is where you go to get those resources that aren't online or how to access different repositories, how to send out requests, how to get in touch with people.’ There are so many small libraries and societies that have vital information people need, that are hard to reach.”

Participants will receive a directory with information on genealogical and history organizations. Wingate hopes people will walk away with information and a better understanding of how and where to do their own research.  She also hopes the fair will give an incentive to all organizations that think their work isn't important. They will have place to showcase their work as well as a great place to speak and collaborate with larger institutions. 
 

Lillian Wingate is the Regional Genealogy & Local History Coordinator at the Statesboro Regional Library. She is the founder and President of the Bulloch County Genealogical Society. Wingate holds genealogy classes throughout the year and works with partner organizations such as the Salzburger Society, Tattnall Archives, Savannah Scottish Games, and more. She is also the Education Director for the Georgia Genealogical Society. 

Organizations Participating:

• The Georgia Archives
• Georgia Genealogical Society
• Institute of Genealogical & Historical Research (IGHR)
• Athens Regional Library Heritage Room
• GSU Special Collections
• Atlanta History Center
• Georgia Public Library System
• Live Oak Public Libraries
• Roddenbery Memorial Library 
• Georgia Salzburger Society
• Genealogical & Historical Room at Middle GA Archives
• Cobb County Library Georgia Room
• Dublin-Laurens County Heritage Room
• Thomasville History Center
• Coastal Georgia Genealogical Society
• Bulloch County Genealogical Society
• Mitchell County Genealogical Society
• Central Georgia Genealogical Society
• Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society
• Liberty County Historical Society
• Susie King Taylor Women's Institute & Ecology Center
• Athens Clarke County Library
• Tattnall County Archives
• Willow Hill Heritage Center
• Digital Library of Georgia
• Florida State Historical Society
• Atlanta History Center

This event is hosted by SRPL and is FREE to attend. Registration is required; register online in advance here. In-person registration starts at 9:00 AM on the day of the fair, and all participants will receive a bag with a directory, tickets for door prizes, and a schedule. There will be a break for lunch, with food trucks nearby. 

For questions, call 912-764-1340 or email Lillian Wingate at [email protected].