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Family stories, treasured recipes and old photographs are taking center stage this October as the Virginia Room invites Fairfax County residents to celebrate Family History Month.
Located on the second floor of the City of Fairfax Regional Library, the Virginia Room houses books, photographs, manuscripts, historical newspapers and other resources documenting local history and genealogy. Established in 1954 with a single shelf, the collection has grown to preserve both major community milestones and details of everyday life.
Visitors can search hundreds of yearbooks from area schools, investigate property ownership dating to 1742 through maps and county records, and explore more than 1 million images of neighborhoods, notable places and community members.
Despite its local name, the Virginia Room also maintains printed genealogical materials covering all 50 states. Its resources serve newcomers tracing their first relatives, experienced researchers seeking centuries-old records and organizations working to preserve their institutional histories.
Family History Month programs
Several special programs are planned for October. A returning Homeschool Science for Kids workshop will help school-age children record family stories in their own words.
Lacey Villiva of Gunston Hall will lead Preserving Family Recipes, which will examine historic recipes and include a food demonstration based on a recipe from the Virginia Room’s collection.
Other scheduled library events include:
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Intergenerational Family Tree Word Art on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the City of Fairfax Regional Library. Participants ages 8 and older can use relatives’ names to create family-tree artwork.
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Fighting Crime One Tree at a Time on Friday, Oct. 10, at Dolley Madison Library. The adult program will explore forensic genetic genealogy and its role in cold-case investigations.
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Family History for Kids and Loved Ones on Monday, Oct. 13, at Thomas Jefferson Library. Children ages 8 to 12 may attend with a grandparent or another adult for an intergenerational activity.
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Tell Your Story — Creating an Oral History on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Kings Park Library. Adults will learn how to interview loved ones or make recordings of their own memories.
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Cookbook Book Club: Family History Month on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Pohick Regional Library. Adults attending the club’s inaugural meeting are invited to bring a dish inspired by their family history.
Event dates and times may change, so participants should consult the individual listings for current details.
Resources available throughout the year
Genealogy assistance continues beyond October. The Genealogy for Beginners series introduces residents to the first steps of building a family tree, while monthly Open Genealogy Nights connect researchers with Fairfax Genealogical Society volunteers who can help untangle difficult questions.
Library branches also offer Memory Depot stations for preserving photographs, home movies and voice recordings.
Family History Kits from the Library of Things provide prompt cards, a digital recorder and a beginner’s guide for recording family stories. The kits are available in English, Korean and Spanish.