NPL - Black History Month Program

The Natchitoches Parish Library invites the community to explore the stories, clues, and connections woven into African American family history this Black History Month. On Saturday, February 21, New Orleans-based genealogy specialist Gaynell Brady will lead two free programs at NPL's Main Branch, 450 Second St., one designed for children at 10:00 AM and one for adults at 2:00 PM. Both are free and open to the public with no registration required. 

In the morning session, Brady introduces young participants to what she calls "genealogy sleuthing," teaching children how to study photographs and family documents for hidden clues about their heritage. Her afternoon program takes a deeper look at her personal research journey, centering on her second great-grandmother, Belle London Jefferson, known to Brady as Mama Belle. Drawing on her process of finding new leads, verifying sources, and examining artifacts, Brady merges rigorous research methods with evocative storytelling and period attire to create an immersive experience she describes as "building narratives from nuggets."

For more information, call the NPL at 318-238-9222.