NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The Tennessee State Library & Archives invites the public to its free annual Family History Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from noon to 4:30 p.m., offering an afternoon of historical discovery, hands-on activities, expert research assistance, and opportunities to explore the Library & Archives’ collections.
This year’s featured speaker is Dr. Katherine C. Hughes, a public historian, preservationist, and lecturer at The University of Texas at Austin. Hughes recently earned her Ph.D. from Middle Tennessee State University, where her research focused on genealogy, material culture, architecture, place, and the stories that can be uncovered through historical records and family possessions. She will present “From the Attic to the Archives: Uncovering the History of an East Tennessee Family ” at 1 p.m.
In her presentation, Hughes will explore how archival records, objects, places, and genealogical research can work together to reveal the stories of families and communities. Drawing on her own research, including the history of seven generations connected to Stony Point in East Tennessee, Hughes will demonstrate how researchers can follow clues through the historical record to connect people, places, and possessions across generations.
“Family history research is about more than names and dates; it’s about discovering the people, places, and experiences that shaped our families and our state,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “The Tennessee State Library & Archives is the perfect place to provide Tennesseans with access to the records and resources that can help bring those stories to life.”
Family History Day is more than just a lecture. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can participate in a variety of activities designed to introduce researchers to the Library & Archives’ collections and services.
Attendees can take part in a Transcribe-a-thon, helping make historical records more accessible by transcribing original documents from the Library & Archives’ collections. Visitors can also participate in a Conservation Clinic, where they can learn practical techniques for caring for and preserving family photographs, documents, and other historical materials.
Tours of the Library & Archives will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the facility and its collections. Public Services staff will also be available in the Reading Room to provide research assistance, helping guests navigate Tennessee records, genealogical resources, databases, and other materials that may help them uncover more about their families.
“Every family has stories waiting to be discovered, and our collections can provide clues that help researchers uncover those stories,” said Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist Jamie Ritter. “Family History Day gives us an opportunity to welcome researchers into the Library & Archives, introduce them to our resources, and share some of the ways we can help them preserve and explore their family history.”
Family History Day is free and open to the public. Registration for Dr. Hughes’ presentation and the Conservation Clinic is required. Registration
information can be found here:
• Lecture registration: https://bit.ly/4wOQ6DE
• Conservation clinic appointment registration: https://bit.ly/4xp2trt
The Library & Archives is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North on the northeast corner of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, across from the Tennessee State Museum. Parking is available for guests in the Library & Archives garage on Junior Gilliam Way.
The Library & Archives is also open for research throughout the year, Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT. The interactive exhibit lobby is open to the public Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT.
For more information, visit Plan Your Visit | Tennessee Secretary of State. For more information about the Library & Archives, call 615-741-2764, email ask@tsla.libanswers.com, or visit Tennessee State Library & Archives.
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