NARA’s virtual fair!

It’s now.

It’s today.

And it’s terrific for genealogists, historians, anybody who wants to know more about what things were like long ago… and what the records say about those days.

It’s the National Archives’ Virtual Fair for 2016 — and it kicks off today, this morning, at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

This two-day, online, free Virtual Fair of the National Archives is one of the highlights of the genealogical year, and you won’t want to miss a minute.

From an introduction to Department of State records to the story of the Iwo Jima flag raisers (“Chaos, Controversy and World War II Marine Corps Personnel Records”), these are presentations every genealogist can learn from and use — and they’re all absolutely free.

Starting today, this two-day live event is on YouTube, all presented in real time and recorded. Viewers will have a chance to ask questions and interact with each other during the event (you can also follow and chat with other viewers on social media #GenFair2016), and all of the session videos and handouts will be available free.

Registration isn’t required and you can either watch in real time or — if the boss is really unreasonable and insists that you work during the Fair hours — you can watch at your convenience later.

Here’s the schedule for the live webcasts from the National Archives (all times are Eastern Daylight Time):

Day 1: Wednesday, October 26

10 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks
Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero

10:05 a.m.
Introduction to Genealogy at the National Archives
Claire Kluskens
Slides
Handout one two three

11 a.m.
The Best National Archives Records Genealogists Aren’t Using
Lori Cox-Paul
Slides
Handout one two three

12 p.m.
National Archives Innovative Online Resources and Tools to Help with Your Genealogical Research
Sarah Swanson and Kelly Osborn
Slides and handout

1 p.m.
You too can be a Citizen Archivist! Getting the most out of the National Archives Catalog
Suzanne Isaacs and Meredith Doviak
Slides
Handout

2 p.m
Department of State Records for Genealogical Research
David Pfeiffer
Slides
Handout

3 p.m.
Grave Yards and Genealogy: American Battle Monuments Commission
Ryan Bass
Slides
Handout

Day 2: Thursday, October 27

10 a.m.
Nonpopulation Census: Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Social Statistics
Claire Kluskens
Slides
Handout one two

11 a.m.
The Morning After – Changes as Reflected in Morning Reports
Theresa Fitzgerald
Slides/Handout

12 p.m.
The Iwo Jima Flag Raisers – Chaos, Controversy and World War II Marine Corps Personnel Records
Bryan K. McGraw
Slides/Handout

1 p.m.
What’s New in the Lou: A Look at the Latest Accessions at the National Archives at St. Louis
David Hardin
Slides/Handout

2 p.m.
The Faces of the National Parks Service
Cara L. Moore
Slides/Handout

3 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Acting Executive for Research Services Ann Cummings

The information page for the 2016 National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair is here, the YouTube channel here, and detailed schedule information here.

Hope to “see ” you at the fair!