"I know we’re all related somehow, and this makes me feel like we’re closer.”
Bringing Generations Closer Together
September 27, 2023 - Mary Jolley
Flags from countless nations decorated the room, a fluttering canopy over the bustling crowd. If the steady stream of laughter and warm embraces were any indication, Wednesday night’s family history event was a booming success.
Booths lined the event hall, decked out with games, treats, and fun ways to learn about who we are and where we come from. “You can feel the electricity in the air of people learning, ” said Spencer Weston of the Diamond Springs congregation.
Family history often has a stigma of attracting only the older generation, but this event was brimming with toddlers, teens, and adults of all ages. In fact, most of the booths were created and run by the youth, who were excited to run the games and teach everyone how to get in touch with their past. Some of these tables included journaling, finding famous relatives, and a photo booth. Every booth had fun, interactive activities, from spin-the-wheel to trivia games.
One effect of these booths was the powerful reminder that we’re all part of the human family. Quinley Johnson, a teen from the Bass Lake congregation, was teaching people how to find significant events from the year they were born. Remarking on the strong community atmosphere at the activity, she said, “I know we’re all related somehow, and this makes me feel like we’re closer.”
For those who couldn’t make it to the fair, you can learn all this and more with personalized help from the free El Dorado FamilySearch Center in Placerville.