An exciting and successful community event recently took place at the Scunthorpe congregation's meeting house, a “Family Discovery Day”, a 4-hour event offering free help to members of the public on family history research.
The event was opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of North Lincolnshire [2014-2015], Councillor Trevor Foster and Mrs Angela Foster. The Mayor and Mayoress were then shown around the event by Bishop Richard Giles and his wife Debbie.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Six computers were available with experienced family history helpers from amongst the members waiting to assist the public. Missionary couple Elder and Sister Smith assisted and supplied some of the necessary equipment.
Free’ starter packs’ with the “Family Search” logo printed on the bags were given away to the first 25 members of the public attending. There were displays in the cultural hall showing household items from bygone years, there were journals and scrapbooks to look through, old photographs on display and history quizzes for those who wanted to test their knowledge.
One member of the public arrived already armed with information on three generations of her family and was assisted by volunteer Mark Murphy. They sat and researched together eventually furthering her family information back to 1453! This lady was so thrilled with the attention and help she received together with the friendliness of the members that, before leaving, she donated £50 towards the missionary programme of the Church.
As it was a family day, activities were provided for the children such as dressing up in Victorian style costumes, making shoebox houses and face painting and refreshments were provided throughout the event.
Organiser Pete Neul was thrilled that all six of the computers were in constant use throughout the 4 hour event, and that one visitor requested missionary discussions.