Discover your roots at this weekend’s NZ Family History Fair

60% of Kiwis want to find out about their past – Discover your roots at this weekend’s New Zealand Family History Fair.

Delving into the past is a popular pursuit for Kiwis across the country. A recent nationwide survey conducted by Ancestry.com.au has revealed that over 60% of New Zealanders think it’s important to look into their family history to understand where they come from.

Family history research has had a positive outcome for most with 62% saying their families were glad they found out about their history as it made a great story, with surprising revelations for some.

Over 20% of people discovered they were related to royalty, rich land owners, aristocracy, inventors or explorers. Another 23% were surprised to find secret adoptions or illegitimate children in their family. 30% learned they were descended from soldiers, ANZACs or war heroes.

If you are curious about what famous figures or family secrets exist in your family then head to the New Zealand Family History Fair this Saturday and Sunday at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau. Doors open 10am-5pm and entry is FREE thanks to the New Zealand Society of Genealogists and Ancestry.com.au.

The Family History Fair is both a celebration of New Zealand's unique culture and heritage, as well as a chance for people to discover their own history. It boasts a line up of international speakers; headed by Dr Jo Appleby from the University of Leicester who excavated the skeleton of Richard III last year. Head along and browse over 50 exhibition stands with records from Auckland Libraries, Auckland Museum, Te Papa, NZ Defence Force and National Army Museum to name a few.

http://www.nzfamilyhistoryfair.org.nz/

ENDS

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