2026 Family History Month Programming Continues at BPL's Southern History Department
Written by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist, Birmingham Public Library
2026 National Family History Month celebration continues at the Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department with two programs designed to help people research their family tree.
Throughout October, programs will cover everything from traditional genealogy research and historic newspapers to DNA testing. All programs are free, and advance registration is not required. For more information, call the Southern History Department at 205-226-3665.
Whether your family-history research begins with a name, an old photograph, a newspaper clipping or a DNA test, the Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department offers resources and expertise to help you uncover the stories of those who came before you.
Here is a list of Family History Month programs happening over the next two weeks:
Wednesday, October 21 | 11 a.m.
Central Library – 4th Floor Computer Lab and online via Teams
WorldCat for the Genealogist
Family-history research once required extensive travel and correspondence to locate the right materials. WorldCat can help bring the collections of libraries around the world to your fingertips.
Learn the basics of WorldCat along with specific tips and resources for using it in genealogical research.
Join online: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/293142284417343?p=RXLnrVfLClwtnUEUn6
Central Library – Southern History Department
Intro to Genealogy
Ready to begin researching your family history? This introductory class will help you get started on your genealogical journey. Southern History Department staff will cover important research sources and techniques, including vital records, courthouse and church records and the Federal Census.
Monday, October 26 | 11 a.m.
Central Library – Southern History Department
Behind the Scenes Tour
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| BPL's Paul Boncella with Hitachi San, 4-foot puppet on display in the Southern History Department. On right is Hitachi San converted into a Japanese Samurai Warrior. |
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| 2016 photo of then-8 year old Ashley Hudson meeting Miss Iwate |
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Southern History Department and discover some of the special collections and treasures housed at BPL.
Learn about the history of the Research Library and explore its genealogy materials, maps and microfilm. The tour also offers a look at treasures including Miss Iwate (BPL’s Japanese friendship doll), the Blaeu Atlas and the 1926 Zone map of Birmingham.
The Southern History Department team is eager to show you what makes BPL’s Special Collections unique.
Wednesday, October 28 | 11 a.m.
Central Library – 4th Floor Computer Lab and online via Teams
DNA Clustering Tools and Techniques
The ability to group DNA matches by ancestral branches was once primarily the domain of genetic genealogy experts. Today, three of the four major testing company websites offer tools that automate this process.
Paul Boncella explains what clustering tools can do, how to access them and how to use them effectively. He will also answer questions about DNA clustering and other aspects of genetic genealogy.
Join online: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/236517554824808?p=bbgMxmikdIdcJSd5lB
For more information, contact the Southern History Department at 205-226-3665.
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