Local stories and local authors will be the focus of the Logan Family History Minifair at the Kingston Butter Factory this August.
The mini fair is the third to be held and will kick off from 10am-3pm on Saturday, 1 August at the start of Family History Month.
It will feature talks by local historians and authors and displays from Logan City libraries and family history organisations.
The fair will also include drop-in lessons on how to research your family history with modern technology, and one-on-one help from experienced local genealogists and historians.
This year’s speakers include Logan Libraries local heritage specialist Hilda Maclean, historian and Homes of Beenleigh Facebook group creator Denise Watson.
Historian and author Coralyn Cowin, will speak about her book Country Boys to Country Heroes, which comprises World War I service personnel records and stories from Logan.
Historian, author and founding headmaster at Redeemer Lutheran College Robin Kleinschmidt, who wrote several books on his own family history and Logan migration history, will also present.
Dr Maclean said this year’s fair was an opportunity for people interested in local and family history to meet with organisations and people who could help, whether through expert guidance or research.
Her presentation will show participants how to use free online resources to research their family histories.
“[Some people] can’t afford subscriptions to Ancestry and those big sites, but there’s a lot of stuff which is available for free that they may not know about,” Dr Maclean said.
Logan mayor Jon Raven said the mini fair was a chance for people to discover the things that shaped their families and the local community.
“Family history is about more than names and dates,” Cr Raven said.
“It’s about the people who came before us, the choices they made, the places they called home and the stories that helped shape who we are.
“Sometimes one photo or document can open a whole new chapter in your family’s story.
“With help from our local history team and guest speakers, this mini fair is a great opportunity for residents to start digging into the past and see what they can discover.”
Guest speaker Robin Kleinschmidt said he strongly supported the mini fair.
“It will raise awareness of local history, family research and the diversity of our community,” Mr Kleischmidt said.
“I hope that it will stimulate interest in family history and greater use of the resources available locally and beyond Logan.”
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