VIDEO: Connecting Families and Community

While children were dressing up in period clothing to have their photo taken, seasoned and beginner genealogists quietly pored over online records, sharing tips and new information with each other at yesterday’s Family History Open Day on Auckland’s North Shore.

The open day was organized by the New Zealand Auckland Harbour Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For one of the organizers, Jared Cuff, the day was all about “family and community.”

“We are delighted to welcome members of our church, and others from the community to this event,” he said.

Latter-day Saint leader, Douglas Martin, said, “Family history connects us with our past, with our family members who have passed on.”

One of the reasons why North Shore woman Emma Clarke likes researching her family tree is that she enjoys learning about her ancestors. “I love hearing about their lives, their stories and their traits,” she said. “Knowing them better helps me to understand myself and my own life more deeply.”

Matt Owen, also from the North Shore, said that for him connecting with his family across generations adds more meaning to his life.”

Watch a video about the Family History Open Day.

Watch other videos about Latter-day Saints, family history research and other Church beliefs and practices.