Photo: Contributed

The Museum and Archives of Vernon want to take people on a personal tour back in time.

The Greater Vernon Archives has the distinction of being among the most respected research facilities in the province, with thousands of photographs, textual records, and newspapers.

Participants are invited to take a guided tour through the museum’s archives to learn about the variety of information sources available and how to use some of the basic online resources for researching family history.

“Belonging is important to all of us,” says Barbara Bell, museum archivist. “Exploring our family history can help us connect to ourselves by learning more about the people in our past — where they came from, who they were, and perhaps even what they wanted for future generations.”

A private tour of the archives will provide an opportunity to learn more about some of the visionary and influential citizens who shaped life in the North Okanagan.

Participants will peer through archival photographs, peek inside real letters and diaries, scan through newspapers of the day and learn how each of these individuals impacted early life in the area. Attendees will then observe how to use these resources to search out their own families’ information. A portion of the evening will also be dedicated to learning how to effectively use online databases such as Ancestry.com.

“There is much to be said for looking back on our ancestors,” adds Bell. “Even though some people are long gone, they may still have much to teach us about our families, about history, and about ourselves.”

What’s Your Story: Starting Your Personal Genealogy Project takes place Oct.13 at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation and registration is available via Eventbrite.