Join us for the 2026 Black Family History Symposium on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 9:30AM to 5:30PM at the Jefferson School Heritage Center.

Getting Word's 3rd annual Black Family History Symposium is a one-day gathering dedicated to exploring how Black families continue to reshape the American origin story, united by the theme "Refounding Legacies."

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, conversations about American history are more relevant than ever. This milestone invites us to confront the gap between the nation's written history and lived reality, especially for African American families whose stories have long been pushed to the margins. Black families have always offered their own edits, additions, and corrections to the American story, preserving accounts of kinship resilience, creativity, and generational memory that challenge and enrich our national understanding.

Registration is free and includes a catered lunch.

Whether you are beginning your family history journey or continuing a long tradition of research and storytelling, this symposium offers space to learn, share, and build community.