Discovery corner

Connecting with your ROOTS starts here in the Discovery Corner. Various organizations will have their booths or stands, alongside the main sponsor FamilySearch, to help you on your journey to discover your own family history. If you're interested in placing a free booth, please get in touch.

 

Preparation

Start your own discovery journey smoothly. Bring the following information to connect with your ROOTS:

 

The names and birth dates (and places) of your parents, grandparents, and if available, your great-grandparents.

 

FamilySearch

On large and small touchscreens from FamilySearch, you can start your search for your ancestors immediately. FamilySearch has the world’s largest database of family tree records, all freely accessible to everyone.

 

CBG | Center for Family History

CBG is the leading organization in the Netherlands in the field of genealogical research and family history. It provides access to an extensive collection of historical documents, personal archives, and family data, enabling individuals to trace their Dutch ancestry.

 

What CBG does:

 

✅ Genealogical Research – Offers resources and tools to explore Dutch family history.

✅ Digital Archives – Manages databases like WieWasWie, which includes Dutch civil records.

✅ Personal Archives & Heraldry – Preserves family archives, coats of arms, and name history.

✅ Expert Advice – Provides support for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in their heritage.

✅ Publications & Events – Shares knowledge through books, articles, and workshops.

 

CBG plays a crucial role in preserving Dutch heritage and making family history accessible to the public.

 

FamilySearch has had a long-standing partnership with CBG and has recently become a partner library of FamilySearch.

This means the library is equipped with digital access to FamilySearch's extensive collections, giving you the opportunity to explore historical documents and records from around the world, all within the library’s walls. But there’s more. As a partner library, you can:

 

• View FamilySearch's digital historical records with limited access.

• Access local and national resources.

• Receive research support from the staff.

• Request materials via interlibrary loan.

• Access subscription sites.

 

At the event, Maddie Batelaan from CBG will be present to give a workshop on Indian roots, as well as to provide explanations and demonstrations at a presentation table.

 

MyHeritage

Marie Cappart will, as in previous years, represent MyHeritage and explain the services MyHeritage offers, with special attention to DNA kits that you could use in your family tree research, especially when you hit a wall or are simply curious about which continents may still hold more of your ancestors. Considering a DNA test? Come explore with Marie!

 

Indische Genealogie Vereniging (IGV)

Ilona D'Abo will also be part of the Discovery Corner to share her experience and expertise with anyone interested in exploring their Indian family history. Whether you’re just curious about the Dutch colonial past, you’ll be in the right place with her!

 

Stichting voor Surinaamse Genealogie (SSG)

Denie Kasan will represent the foundation and be available to answer any questions. They have also created a resource website for Surinamese family research: Allesurinamers.org. Here, you’ll find up-to-date information with guides and search tools.