By Hannivett Nabahe, Virginia Room Librarian, City of Fairfax Regional Library
Family History Month is about more than looking back: it is about making space for today’s stories so that they can be remembered tomorrow. Every shared memory, recipe and photograph adds to the larger story of who we are. This October, the Virginia Room invites you to spend some time reflecting on the connections between your personal story and those from the community we share.
The Virginia Room is Fairfax County’s foremost collections of books, photographs, and manuscripts related to its history and genealogy. Since 1954, we’ve grown from a single shelf to the entire second floor of the City of Fairfax Regional Library. Across manuscript collections, historical newspapers and other print and online resources, our materials capture the everyday lives and major milestones of people who have shaped our community.
Beyond scholarly or historical research, we welcome all community members to explore their collective past. See what your relatives looked like decades ago through our hundreds of yearbooks from area schools. Explore the history of your home through our maps and county records tracing property ownership since 1742. Picture how daily life has evolved over the decades through our collections of images (over a million!) of neighborhoods, notable areas, and community members.
Looking to trace your family roots? For many, including Georgene Chastain of the Fairfax Genealogical Society, the Virginia Room is “a treasure for genealogists and local family historians.” Even though our name is the Virginia Room, our print genealogical materials span all 50 states.
We are excited to offer special programing for Family History Month. Homeschool Science for Kids is reprising our summer workshop, helping school-age children capture family stories in their own words. Gunston Hall’s Lacey Villiva will lead our Preserving Family Recipes event, where attendees will explore historic recipes and experience a delicious demonstration based on a recipe from our collection, “bringing recipes and flavors from even farther back, helping humanize history.”
We also provide genealogy programming year-round. Our Genealogy for Beginners series, designed by a local enthusiast, eases community members into their first steps through their family tree. And we host monthly Open Genealogy Nights, where volunteers from the Fairfax Genealogical Society help solve tough family history puzzles.
Of course, you can also find resources for preserving your memories across our library branches. Memory Depot stations allow you to preserve your photographs, family movies, and voice recordings. Family History Kits, part of our Library of Things, are available in English, Korean and Spanish, to help you get started recording your family stories prompt cards, a digital recorder and a beginner’s guide.
We in the Virginia Room hope you will join us in celebrating and preserving the stories that connects us. Whether you are a curious beginner just starting their journey, a seasoned researcher in need of centuries-old documentation, or a local organization looking to preserve your institutional stories for generations to come, we would love for you to visit and explore what we have to offer.
Check out more FCPL Family History Month events:
*Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.
Intergenerational Family Tree Word Art – Saturday, October 4 - City of Fairfax Regional Library
Use your ancestors' names to create the unique branches of your family tree. Bring the names of your family members to this Intergenerational program tie-in for Family History Month. This is a great project to complete as an intergenerational family! Ages 8 and up.
Fighting Crime One Tree at a Time – Friday, October 10 – Dolley Madison Library
Join us for a compelling deep dive into the cutting-edge world of Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) and how it's transforming the way cold cases are solved. Whether you're in law enforcement, forensics, genealogy, or simply passionate about true crime and justice, this program will show you how science and strategy are rewriting cold case investigations. Adults.
Family History for Kids and Loved Ones – Monday, October 13 – Thomas Jefferson Library
Bring along Grandma, Grandpa, or another loved one and celebrate Family History Month with an intergenerational family history program! Ages 8-12 with an adult.
Tell Your Story - Creating an Oral History – Thursday, October 16 – Kings Park Library
Creating an oral history is a meaningful way to share memories and experiences with your family. Discuss the importance of leaving an oral history, and learn how to start an interview with a loved one or create your own recording. Adults.
Cookbook Book Club: Family History Month – Tuesday, October 28 – Pohick Regional Library
Celebrate Family History Month at the inaugural meeting of Pohick Regional Library's Cookbook Book Club! Bring a dish inspired by your family's history. Adults.