The Columbia Maryland FamilySearch Center

06/27/2026

Join us for Discover Your Roots: An African American Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM in Ellicott City, Maryland.
This free workshop is designed to help individuals and families explore African American genealogy research, break through brick walls, and learn how to use resources such as FamilySearch, census records, Freedmen’s Bureau records, slave schedules, DNA, and more.
Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop and come ready to research, ask questions, and discover new tools for uncovering their family history.
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4100 Saint Johns Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Registration is free:
https://bit.ly/4uxo4LL
Whether you are just beginning your genealogy journey or looking for help with a specific research challenge, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and discover your roots.

Join us in person to explore your family history and connect with your African American heritage!

06/24/2026

Come discover your roots on Saturday, July 18 as the Columbia Maryland FamilySearch center colaborates with the African American Geneaolgy Society to bring together this wonderful Workshop! See Flyer below for registration details!

05/26/2026

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, FamilySearch is partnering with America250 to help individuals and families discover, preserve, and share the stories that make up our nation’s history.

This special effort reminds us that for 250 years, everyday people and families have shaped our nation. Through FamilySearch, members can explore their family tree, record meaningful memories, and honor the people in their family who contributed to their communities and country.

For 250 years, everyday people have shaped America. Through this effort, you can:

-Explore your family tree
-Record your family’s stories and memories
-Honor the American heroes in your family

We also invite you to join the “250 Challenge” by:

1. Adding 2 names to your family tree
2. Recording 5 life events, such as births or marriages
3. Sharing 10 memories, photos, or stories

Getting started is simple:

*Download the Family Tree app
*Create a free FamilySearch account
*Begin adding names, events, and memories

If you want help getting started, come see us in the FamilySearch Center.

Columbia Maryland FamilySearch Center

Together, we can preserve meaningful family stories for future generations and help build America’s story.*

04/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FT1vEpDSP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Ancestry has a new census comparison tool that is really incredible. We put a link in the comments of an excellent Youtube video by Aimee Cross.

As a lab, we have always put a huge emphasis in our projects to ensure that someone is "census complete", which means that they are attached to each public US census that occured during their lifetime. This tool should provide a huge help for finding missing census records for individuals and making it easier to see the clues that link a person across each census.

03/07/2026

This was such an inspiring speech by Tara Roberts! Well worth a watch at Roots Tech!

“I began to realize as I went deeper into this work that there are just whole chapters of history missing... I wanted to help bring those chapters back into memory." —Tara Roberts

When we seek out the missing chapters, we create space for greater belonging, deeper empathy, and a more complete picture of our shared human story.

02/22/2026

Save the Date and join us for this fun event!

02/14/2026

🎉 RootsTech Watch Party – You’re Invited! 🎉

Be part of the world’s largest family history conference—right here in Ellicott City!

📍 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4100 St. Johns Lane
Ellicott City, MD

🗓 Date & Time: March 7, 2026 from 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🥤 Light refreshments will be provided
🌎 Open to the entire community – all are welcome
👥 For ages 11 and up

📺 What Is a Watch Party?

A watch party is a chance to gather together to view selected RootsTech conference sessions as a group. Instead of watching alone at home, you’ll experience the excitement with others—learning, laughing, and being inspired together. Stay for one, two, or all three sessions in a room. Come and go as your schedule allows.

📺 Relief Society Room

1️⃣ 12:30 PM – Keynote Address – Jose Hernandez
Be inspired by this powerful keynote from astronaut and engineer Jose Hernandez as he shares his story and insights.

2️⃣ 2:00 PM – Practical Digital Strategies for Family Historians
Learn useful digital tools and strategies to organize, preserve, and share your family history more effectively.

3️⃣ 3:30 PM – The Future of AI in Genealogy (Live Panel)
Discover how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of family history and what it means for you.

💻 Room 118

1️⃣ 12:30 PM – AI and Family History: Foundations and First Steps – Mastering AI Basics for Genealogy
Learn the fundamentals of AI and how to confidently begin using these tools in your family history research.

2️⃣ 2:15 PM – Ancestor Connector
Explore this exciting new tool featuring 21,000 researched 19th-century individuals and discover how it can help you make meaningful connections.

3️⃣ 3:30 PM – Born to Gather – The Great Youth Family History Adventure
An engaging and inspiring session designed to energize youth and families about discovering their roots.

✨ Come join us to watch one, two, or all three sessions. The event is free, refreshments will be served, and everyone ages 11 and up is welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

Send a message to learn more

01/29/2026