Fun, with Friends at the FHExpo!

Webguru BJ Smothers and AfriGeneas Founder

Valencia K. Nelson

The Atlanta Family History Expo has come and gone, and what an enjoyable experience it was for me!  In between sessions, and time at the bloggers table, I also spent time at the AfriGeneas booth, with old friends

The AfriGeneas received lots of traffic and many in attendance made a point to stop at the AfriGeneas booth and meet some of the staff of AfriGeneas, the largest African American genealogy website.

Blogger Mavis Jones fills out survey form at AfriGeneas booth

Individuals of all ages, ethnic groups and cultures stopped by the booth to say hello.   I met a budding genealogist who stopped at the table with a chest full of buttons and ribbons.  He also wore an AfriGeneas button, which he had collected at the FGS conference in August of this year.

    

Budding genealogist Marcus B, shows off his badges proudly, including his AfriGeneas button

Valencia K. Nelson & Sedalia Gaines at AfriGeneas booth

It was great to see friends from Atlanta, Philadelphia, and other parts of the country at the event. Published authors were among the many people at the Expo, some as presenters and others to network, and to learn.

Author Juanita Patience Moss, and VKN at the booth

Several researchers stopped by to say hello and to share tidbits from their family history.

A researcher of Rocky Mount, NC stopped by to say hello.

The AfriGeneas film crew was busy interviewing people who visited the booth.  Professor Dru, myself and others were captured on film by the webguru, BJ Smothers.

Professor Dru, was interviewed by AfriGeneas staffer, BJ Smothers

Meanwhile, next to the AfriGeneas booth, author Melvin Collier, sold out of his books, and then took the time to give advice to researchers who had genealogical questions.

.

Author Melvin Collier goes over data with visitor to his booth

Meanwhile in the Bloggers corner, dialogue flowed, bloggers blogged, and new friendships were made. And also several new blogs were also born.

Blogger Amy Coffin assists another person in establishing her new blog.

Thomas Macentee of Geneabloggers and DearMYRTLE share a friendly moment

It was also fun when a photojournalist from the Atlanta Journal Constitution came through the exhibit hall to capture a few images of the FHExpo. Who knows--we might make the papers!

AJC Photojournalist on the job at the Expo.

I did manage to attend a few lectures and enjoyed listening to Melvin J. Collier present a lecture on African American genealogy.

Melvin Collier explained the basics of African American genealogy.

After two busy days, I am so happy that I was able to participate in this event. Special thanks to Holly Hansen for her work in organizing this event.  I hope in the future to have the opportunity to attend another promising event.  This was a fresh experience and I look forward to participating in more in the future.  What a great way to end the genealogical year.