By Tyra Jackson

The Selma Times-Journal

If someone is wondering who they are or where they came from, then those answers might be waiting Saturday at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library.

The Black Belt African American Genealogical and Historical Society (BBAAGHS) will host a free “Genealogy on the Spot” event Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. to noon and again at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is based on the “Genealogy Roadshow” television series on PBS. Walk-in registration begins at 9:30 a.m. on a first come, first serve basis.

Although the BBAAGHS concentrates its efforts in African American genealogy, the event is open to all individuals.

“We focus on African American genealogy because of the time we were founded,” said BBAAGHS secretary and treasurer B.J. Smothers. “There was no genealogical society in the area that did primarily African American research.”

Six genealogists and family history researchers will bring their toolboxes and reference materials, laptops and documents to aid in identifying a person’s family history.

Smothers said many people don’t know their ancestry back beyond their grandparents or great-grandparents.

Researchers will begin with what participants already know, and use that information to trace a family’s lineage.

Obituaries can help experts analyze family names and information, so it’s helpful if participants bring in an old funeral program. The programs can be donated or scanned for usage. The obituaries will also place people in a drawing for a free DNA test kit.

“When they receive a test kit, they’ll have to give us a saliva sample,” Smothers said. “In four to six weeks they will get an analysis of their DNA. If they need help interpreting, the society will help interpret the results.”

Local history and genealogy librarian at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library Anne Knight said the information given during the genealogy event, depends on the types of questions participants ask.

“If anybody’s interested in their family’s history, this is a good way to get started and find what resources are available at the library,” Knight said.

To pre-register, submit your name, email address, phone number, genealogy question and session preference to: info@bbaaghs.org or (205) 540-2806 or (404) 273-6965.