Come learn more about genealogy and family history from five nationally recognized speakers and local experts presenting on topics such tracing 19th and 20th century immigrant ancestors and conducting research in Florida. Interested in all the sessions? 

The symposium will close with an “Ask a Genealogist” discussion panel with our professional genealogist speakers and moderator. Submit your questions in advance to specialcollections@mdpls.org with the subject line “Ask a Genealogist - Tracing Roots in Florida and Beyond” and the experts might answer your question during the session. Submissions close at 6:00 p.m. on July 31st, 2026.

Bring your photographs, negatives and documents with you! The Miami Dade Public Library System’s Digital Collections with be digitizing your genealogical materials on site! You will also have the option of donating digital copies to our online Genealogy Collection or our Community Memory Project which aims to create a digital archive of Miami-Dade County residents’ collective memory! All items scanned as part of the event are returned to the owners who will also receive a flash drive with high-resolution digital copies to take home with them.

Local genealogy and history organizations will also be on site to tell you more about what they do:

• Genealogical Society of Greater Miami
• Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami
• Genealogical Society of Broward County
• Genealogical Society of Palm Beach County
• Florida International University
• and more!