The Family Legacy Center, a new genealogy and family history research hub directed by Toccarra Gartin, has officially opened inside ROOTS-101 African American Museum, expanding the Museum’s mission to preserve, document, and elevate African American history at the family level.

Founded by Lamont Collins, ROOTS-101 African American Museum has long served as a cultural anchor for storytelling, education, and historical preservation. The launch of the Family Legacy Center represents a significant step forward, providing the community with hands-on tools to research, reclaim, and preserve their own ancestral narratives.

RECLAIMING ROOTS, RESTORING RECORDS, AND REWRITING FAMILY NARRATIVES

The Family Legacy Center is a dedicated space where individuals and families can explore

 genealogical records, build family trees, and uncover historical connections using trusted archival resources. As an official FamilySearch Affiliate, the Center offers visitors access to exclusive records and databases not available to the general public, along with guided support to help navigate the research process.

“Family history is foundational to identity,” said Gartin, Director of the Family Legacy Center. “The Family Legacy Center exists to close the gaps in African American genealogy caused by generations of displacement, enslavement, and record loss. We are creating a space where people can reconnect with their roots and leave a documented legacy for future generations.”

 Located within the Legacies Gallery at ROOTS-101 African American Museum, the Family Legacy Center operates by scheduled appointments and special community research days, allowing for focused, meaningful engagement with the resources available. Visitors range from first-time researchers to experienced genealogists seeking deeper insight into their family histories.

By integrating genealogy into its cultural programming, ROOTS-101 African American Museum reinforces its commitment to not only telling history—but empowering the community to find themselves within it.

For appointment scheduling, research days, or partnership opportunities, community members are encouraged to go to www.roots-101.org and click the Family Legacy Center tab.