Birmingham Public Library 2026 Family History Month Activities Kick Off With Open House on October 3

 

Discover Your Roots: BPL Celebrates Family History Month in October

October is National Family History Month, and the Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department is celebrating with a full calendar of free programs designed to help you explore your family’s story.

Whether you’re taking your first steps into genealogy or you’re a seasoned researcher looking for new tools and resources, BPL has something for you. Throughout October, programs will cover everything from traditional genealogy research and historic newspapers to DNA testing, cookbooks, WorldCat and the search for family members separated by slavery.

All programs are free, and advance registration is not required. For more information, call the Southern History Department at 205-226-3665.

Activities begin Saturday, October 3, with a Family History Month Open House where visitors can meet experts from the Birmingham Genealogical Society and members of the Southern History Department staff. The month also features presentations by Dr. Judy Giesberg and Birmingham’s Bettina Byrd-Giles exploring the powerful stories of formerly enslaved people searching for family members.

Here’s a look at the full October lineup:

Saturday, October 3 | 1-3 p.m.

Central Library – Southern History Department

Family History Month Open House

Stop by the Southern History Department and meet experts from the Birmingham Genealogical Society for a free research consultation. Bring your genealogy “brick walls” and meet a dedicated group of genealogists eager to help.

Learn more about how the Birmingham Genealogical Society supports genealogy and local history and how you can become a part of the organization.

Monday, October 5 | 11 a.m.

Central Library – 4th Floor Computer Lab and online via Teams

Essential Genetic Genealogy, Revised for 2026

If you want to get started in genetic genealogy, there is a simple way to put your DNA test to work. Paul Boncella explains what genetic genealogy can do, where to find the necessary tools on a testing company’s website and how to use them effectively. He will also answer questions about genetic genealogy.

Join online: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/220452694912704?p=uPBKPkxjMNdWxAr7tH

Wednesday, October 7 | 11 a.m.

Central Library – 4th Floor Computer Lab and online via Teams

BPL’s Newspaper Clipping File Collection

The library’s newspaper clipping files span more than 50 years and number in the thousands. Learn about the history of this one-of-a-kind collection and discover some of the treasures found inside. And, as you’ll learn, it’s about more than just newspapers!

Join online: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247431763177427?p=ai3B7WmqV4AIwHMzYH

Saturday, October 10 | 10 a.m.

Central Library – 1st Floor 

Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families with Dr. Judy Giesberg

Drawing from an archive of nearly 5,000 letters and advertisements, Last Seen tells the powerful story of formerly enslaved people who spent years searching for family members separated from them during slavery.

Saturday, October 10 | 11:30 a.m.

Central Library – 1st Floor 

Diana: Five Generations of Separation with Bettina Byrd-Giles

Bettina Byrd-Giles shares the story of her ancestor, Diana Johnson, and her journey from enslavement to freedom. The presentation explores newspaper advertisements Diana placed across the country searching for her parents and siblings.

The program also includes a short student film, “Letters,” comparing Diana’s newspaper advertisements with some of Frederick Douglass’s speeches. Byrd-Giles will also discuss how a website and a book ultimately helped uncover more of Diana’s story.

Monday, October 12 | 11 a.m.

Central Library – 4th Floor Computer Lab and online via Teams

Cookbooks: A Recipe for Genealogy and Local History

Cookbooks are more than collections of recipes. They can provide a fascinating glimpse into what people ate and enjoyed while offering clues about an ancestor’s church or club membership, place of employment and community connections.

Join online: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/228372518974884?p=ualeqBw69cBOu6Qx1r

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

Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m.

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

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.

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

Start Your Family History Journey at BPL

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.

For more information, contact the Southern History Department at 205-226-3665.

Written by Roy L. Williams, PR Specialist, Birmingham Public Library

Why Attend Family History Month at BPL?

• Learn practical skills to overcome genealogy roadblocks
• Explore cutting-edge tools like AI and DNA testing
• Connect with local experts and genealogists
• Experience the rich history of Alabama through stories and rare collections
• Celebrate your heritage with a supportive community
  
  

Written By Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Director – Birmingham Public Library