Enjoy free discussions with genealogy experts at HCPLC's 11th Annual Family Heritage Festival

The season for reflecting is here, and so is the 11th Annual Family Heritage Festival, hosted by the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC).

Join genealogy experts Saturday, Sept. 27, at the John F. Germany Public Library for two free events exploring Florida's history.

The Dearly Departed: Conversations on Historic Cemeteries and Death Records with Erin Kimmerle

  • 11 a.m. to noon

Erin H. Kimmerle, Ph.D., author of "We Carry Their Bones," will discuss her book, which investigates the notorious Dozier Boys School. Kimmerle will talk about the contentious process to exhume the graves of the boys buried at the school in order to reunite them with their families.

The Dozier Boys School is where the true story behind the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, "The Nickel Boys," took place.

This event is not recommended for children

A black & white photo of 2 tombstones in a graveyard enclosed by a short, black metal gate
Photo titled Tombstones of Malcom McNabb and Malcom Donald at Oaklawn Cemetery, 606 Harrison Street: Tampa, Fla. (Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System)

Bringing Out Your Dead with Selena Martinez

  • 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This program explains how death records such as obituaries, funeral home records, and cemeteries can be used to show the history of an area. It will also show you how the records can help you learn more about the lives of your ancestors.

Both events are at John F. Germany Public Library, at 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602.

More information can be found at the Family Heritage Festival page. Attendance is free but registration is required.

Genealogy and History Resources at HCPLC

Interested in learning more? HCPLC offers many free resources to help you conduct ancestry research. Visit HCPLC's Genealogy & History page for more information.