After a positive experience in 2023, organizers of the 31st annual African American Heritage Festival in Manassas, Virginia, invited members of the Gainesville Virginia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to return in 2024 and once again host a FamilySearch booth.

Because the August 3 event was held within the Centreville, Virginia, Stake of the Church, the invitation was extended to those members as well.

Church members helped visitors of all ages create a FamilySearch account and learn more about their family history. Some called mothers or relatives to ask for family members’ birth dates, while others discovered that there were generations already represented online. Others were just starting out and had lots of questions.

“We are all part of one big family,” said President Johan Carlson of the Gainesville Stake, describing the spirit of unity and connection felt by all involved.

According to a press release, thanks to the help of numerous volunteers and family history consultants, no fewer than 50 attendees opened new FamilySearch accounts and learned about the Church’s online genealogical resources at the festival.

The FamilySearch booth was one of more than 100 exhibits at the festival, which was held on the grounds of a local school. The festival also featured food, music, arts, crafts, history, children’s games and other activities.

“It was truly a joy to witness the overwhelming joy of the participants as they found and connected with their family members through FamilySearch. The experience was deeply moving for everyone involved,” said Kisha Sogunro, who represented the city of Manassas at the event and is the Church’s assistant communications director for the Northeast North America Area.

In May, FamilySearch representatives helped more than 50,000 visitors learn more about their family history at the Argentine International Book Fair in Buenos Aires.

FamilySearch representatives attended a similar event in Germany in October 2023.

Additionally, Latter-day Saints volunteered at FamilySearch booths at Juneteenth events throughout Georgia in 2023.