Family History Month in August

Family History Month in August – set to uncover the origin of Kiwis

AUCKLAND, 1 August 2012 – Have you ever wondered about your family’s origins and how they influence your identity today? This August, New Zealanders will have the chance to find out more about who they are, as part of Family History Month.

The New Zealand Society of Genealogists, in association with Ancestry.com.au, will be kicking off the 31 days of Family History Month at a special event on 1st August at Auckland Library’s Whare Wananga which will include an expert panel discussion on national identity and what it means to be a Kiwi today.

Panelists will include representatives from Tangata Whenua, as well as Chinese and Pacific cultures, including writer/film director Roseanne Liang, actor Fasi Amosa, and international family history expert Brad Argent, of Ancestry.com.au.

Argent says that his organization is finding that increasing numbers of New Zealanders are visiting the site expressing a strong interest in their family history.

“With New Zealand being such a multicultural society, identity tends to be somewhat fluid. While being a Kiwi can mean a variety of different things to different people, the common curiosity about family identity remains.”

Argent says Family History Month aims to foster that inquisitiveness and help grow people’s awareness and understanding of their family origins.

“It is great to see the growth of interest from New Zealanders, which is reflected in disproportionately high viewership to Ancestory.com.au. Every one can be their own family detective”.

Argent says there are numerous events planned for Family History Month throughout the 31 days talks at the Auckland Library and the NZSG Family Research Center. Several of the events have already sold out.

“The theme for the month this year is ‘Family History is Cool….Pass it on’, which represents the twofold message that researching your family history is not only interesting, it is also a valuable gift you can pass on to future generations,” says Argent.

Family History Month is a national event, supported by NZSG and other interested parties, such as local libraries.

The Family History Month Identity discussion begins at 11.00am, 1 August. Media and photographers are welcome to attend.

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