The State Archives and the State Library of North Carolina invite you to join us at the 2025 NC Family History Fair.
This year’s theme is African American Genealogy and History and will focus on experiences with and tips for conducting research on African American ancestry and history.
The Family History Fair will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Building in Downtown Raleigh. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required to attend!
The Family History Fair will include presentations from guest speakers Renate Yarborough Sanders, Joyce Sharrock Cole, and Desi Campbell. Genealogists, librarians, and local organizations will have information tables during the event, and a social networking hour with light refreshments will take place in the afternoon. Additionally, join the African American Heritage Commission at 12:00 p.m. for an introduction to the Freedom Park!
The SLNC Government and Heritage Library and the State Archives will be open for research from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. See the full list and schedule of events.
Thank you to the registered vendors for participating in this event!
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Archives.
Schedule of Events
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Registration and Welcome
DNCR Lobby
Check in at the registration desk for event information!
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Vendor and Activity Tables
DNCR Lobby
Come speak with DNCR staff and genealogy and local history experts!
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Session 1, The Basics of Researching Ancestors of Color in North Carolina
DNCR Auditorium
In this session, Renate Yarborough Sanders explores strategies for researching ancestors of color to include formerly enslaved and free people of color. Participants will learn about helpful record types and resources for conducting this research, and how to extract genealogically relevant data about people of color from various document types.
10:30 - 10:40 AM: Break
DNCR Lobby
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM: Session 2, Surname is Not My Bloodline
DNCR Auditorium
In this session, Joyce Sharrock Cole uncovers the hidden history of surnames among descendants of the enslaved, and how names were given, taken, or altered through generations. Using a powerful real-life case study, this session reveals how DNA and records can guide you toward your true ancestral story.
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM: Session 3, A Slave Named Jenny
DNCR Auditorium
In this session, Desi Campbell will discuss Jenny, an enslaved woman born in Virginia in the late 1700s. Her parents were taken from Igbo land in Nigeria, carrying rich cultural traditions. Known for her resilience and wisdom, Jenny became a revered matriarch whose strength lives on through generations of descendants who now honor her African roots.
11:40 AM - 1:00 PM: Networking Hour and Light Refreshments
DNCR Lobby / Freedom Park
Networking Hour in Freedom Park with light refreshments in the lobby.
12:00 PM: Freedom Park with Khadija McNair
Freedom Park
Join Khadija McNair, Freedom Park Manager, to learn about Freedom Park. The site is the first park in North Carolina to honor the African American struggle for freedom, an experience that represents universal themes of freedom, perseverance and equality.
About the Speakers
Renate Yarborough Sanders
Session 1: The Basics of Researching Ancestors of Color in North Carolina. Renate Yarborough Sanders is an experienced genealogist and educator who descends from North Carolinians who were formerly enslaved, enslavers, and free people of color. Renate authors two blogs and a funeral program database. Renate also belongs to many genealogical and historical organizations and co-hosts the online platform, “Let’s Talk About North Carolina Genealogy”.
Joyce Sharrock Cole
Session 2: Surname is Not My Bloodline. Joyce Sharrock Cole is the Village Historian of Ossining, New York, and an award-winning genealogist certified in genealogical research by Boston University. She specializes in African American and local history, using research, storytelling, and public programs to preserve community heritage and uncover stories that have often been overlooked.
Desi Campbell
Session 3: A Slave Named Jenny. Desi L. Campbell is a genealogist and historian with over four decades of experience. He has traced African American roots back to the 1700s and West Africa. A passionate storyteller and educator, he is also the publisher of 20 family history books that honor and preserve Black ancestral heritage.
Vendors List
- NC Historic Preservation Office
- SLNC Accessible Books and Library Services
- African American Heritage Commission
- Wake County Genealogy Association
- North Carolina Genealogical Society
- DNCR Ed & Outreach
- Triangle Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
- SLNC Government and Heritage Library