Library of Virginia Commemorates Archives Month with Oct. 26 “Memory’s Journey: Addressing Difficult Family History” Event

October is American Archives Month—and this year marks 20 years of Archives Month in Virginia! For two decades, every October, the archival and special collections institutions around the commonwealth have collaborated to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of our shared documentary history. What began as Virginia Archives Week in 2002 has grown into a statewide celebration of the institutions and professionals, who safeguard, preserve and make accessible records of enduring value. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov/public/archivesmonth/2022/.

This year’s theme, 20 Years of Virginia Archives Month, looks back at past collective efforts with a special anniversary Archives Month poster. Participating institutions are also looking forward by sharing information, videos, programs, tours and resources to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and sharing cultural and historical documents from families, communities, states and the nation. Download the 2022 Virginia Archives Month poster.

The Library of Virginia commemorates Archives Month in 2022 with an Oct. 26 panel discussion on addressing difficult family history. The event is free but require registration. See details below.

ARCHIVES MONTH EVENT

Memory’s Journey: Addressing Difficult Family History

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Lecture Hall & Online | Free

Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Register: https://lva-virginia.libcal.com/event/9663614

 Explore the ways that family histories are preserved by archival institutions throughout the commonwealth and how we encounter and interpret these histories today. What do you do when the difficult history you need to cope with is within your own family tree? How do you make peace with the actions of your ancestors? Does uncovering difficult history change life in the present?

These themes will be examined with Memory Wars podcast host Mallory Noe-Payne; Timothy Kilby, author of Gourdvine Black and White: Slavery and the Kilby Families of the Virginia Piedmont; and public historian and genealogist Karice Luck-Brimmer, community initiatives program consultant with Virginia Humanities.

Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy light refreshments and view a selection of original records on display from the Library’s collections, including family bibles, local court records and state government records reflecting the evening’s theme.

This in-person event will also be livestreamed on the Library’s Facebook and YouTube pages.