By Monique Gooch

NASHVILLE, TN — Helping people find their family history is a passion for Tennessee Library and Archives librarian Trent Hanner. And on October 29, he led families through a tour of resources at the library during Family History Day called:  Welcome Home: Unlocking History Through the Places We Live.

As part of Hanner’s presentation, attendees learned how to use the Library and Archives’ extensive collections to research the history of their home. Visitors learned how to research the places where they live and work, how to search their family that has lived in Tennessee.

Following the presentation, visitors were able to go up to the Library and Archives Reading Room to do some research. Staff and volunteers were on hand for support. 

During the presentation portion Hanner said, “If you’re just getting started on your journey, Google is a great start!” Trent Hanner has worked in archives since 2006. 

There were three factors that Hanner suggested when researching. 

• Identify your research

   purpose

• Learn the tools

• Explore the resources

In the presentation visitors learned that 85 percent of patrons are researching the places where their ancestors lived. The good news that almost everything featured in the presentation can be explored online for free.  

“Start with what you know. Trace back one generation at a time.” Hanner said. 

While showing what used to be on at the…