It's that time of the year again! Heritage month is loading!
Discover Your Roots at the Family & Local History Fair.
Mark your calendars for the Family and Local History Fair, taking place on Saturday, 6th September 2025, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at Project Gateway, 4 Burger St, Pietermaritzburg, KZN. This free-entry event, with ample parking, promises a day filled with discovery, learning, and celebration of our rich heritage.
Refreshments will be on sale.
Organized by the KZN Family History Society (KZNFHS) in collaboration with the Genealogical Society of South Africa, the event coincides with Heritage Month, offering a perfect opportunity to delve into your family's past. The fair will feature an array of talks, workshops, and exhibits designed to guide you through the fascinating journey of family history research.
Programme Highlights (Programme subject to change)
Morning Session:
• 8:30 am: Welcome Address
• 8:35 am: Where do I start? An introductory session on Family History Research
• 9:00 am: Leafing out your Family Tree with insights from the PMB Archives
• 9:45 am: Family Search explained!
• 10:30 am: 3 Tips on how to organise your research
• 11:15 am: 9 Challenges Every Family Historian Comes to Expect
• 12:00 pm: Lunch Break. Time to browse the stalls if you haven't already done so!
• 12:30 pm: AI: How can it help you with your Research?
• 2:00 pm: Event Close
Throughout the day, visitors can participate in practical workshops designed to enhance their research skills, explore the KZNFHS Library, and purchase books related to genealogy. The Project Gateway Museum will also be open for tours, offering a deeper look into our local history.
Exhibitors and Resources
In addition to the scheduled talks and workshops, several prominent organizations will be present, including:
• KZN Family History Society
• Genealogical Society of South Africa
• PMB Heritage Society
• Pietermaritzburg Archives
• FamilySearch.org
• Project Gateway Museum
• Natal Carbineers Musuem
• Dutch Reformed Church Archives
• Heritage Museum: HS Msimang & Family
• Hermannsburg School and Mission Museum
• The French Presence in PMB/KZN
More to follow
These exhibitors will provide valuable resources and insights into genealogy, ensuring you have all the tools needed to uncover your family's history.
Why Attend?
Researching your family tree can be a rewarding and enlightening experience. It involves gathering records, connecting with distant relatives, and piecing together stories that have shaped your heritage. Whether you're a novice or an experienced researcher, the Family and Local History Fair offers a wealth of knowledge and support to help you on your journey.
Join us at Project Gateway for a day of exploration, education, and connection as we celebrate our shared heritage.
Don't miss this chance to uncover your roots and connect with others who share your passion for family history!
Also check out other Workshops in Pietermaritzburg.