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2026 genealogy workshop, illustration of a notebook with a photo of Dr. Rosa on it and a pencil and pen with event date and time information

Register 116 Seats Remaining

2026 Genealogy Workshop

featuring Dr. Margarita Lila Rosa
2026-11-07 09:00:00 2026-11-07 15:00:00 America/Chicago 2026 Genealogy Workshop Discover your family's history in this free immersive, full-day workshop led by Dr. Margarita Rosa. Learn how to uncover hidden records, build a meaningful family tree, and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors' stories to life. Main Library - 529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom

Saturday, November 07
9:00am - 3:00pm

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Main Library

529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom

Discover your family's history in this free immersive, full-day workshop led by Dr. Margarita Rosa. Learn how to uncover hidden records, build a meaningful family tree, and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors' stories to life.

Discover your family's history in this free immersive, full-day workshop presented by CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies in partnership with Arkansas United and led by Dr. Margarita Rosa. Learn how to uncover genealogical, oral, and archival records; build a meaningful family tree; and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors' stories to life. Through hands-on activities and guided research, participants will gain practical tools to begin preserving their family's history for future generations. 

About the Featured Speaker

Dr. Margarita Lila Rosa  is a visiting professor of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at Brown University, specializing in Afro-Latin American and Black Atlantic history. Rosa’s historical academic scholarship has been published in the Caribbean Quarterly, the Journal of African American History, Slavery & Abolition, and the Black Scholar, among others.

What to Expect

  • What is an Archive?: Place, Oral History, and Food 
    Exploring what constitutes an archive and how we access it 
  • How to Speak to Family When You're Not Speaking 
    Navigating through challenging relationships with our families while doing family research 
  • How to Use a Search Engine: An African American Case 
    How to find someone when they're not famous 

LUNCH

  • Practicing Archival Research 
    A deep dive into online databases for family research 
  • Creating a Family Tree 
    How we organize a family tree 
  • Finding More through Genealogy 
    What does science have to do with this? 

About the Program 

  • Doors open at 9:00 a.m.; program begins at 9:30 a.m. 
  • Parking is available in the surface lot (accessible from 2nd St.) and the CALS parking deck (accessible from Rock Street). Parking will be validated for the full day.
  • Free snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the workshop.
  • Participants can pack a lunch or buy something at a nearby restaurant, including the Boulevard Bread Company located on the 1st floor of the Main Library.
  • Registration is encouraged but not required to attend. This event is in person and will not be livestreamed or recorded.  
  • If you lead a genealogical organization in Central Arkansas, please reach out at the contact email below to sign up to table at the workshop.

All abilities are welcome. To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, contact Heather Zbinden (501.918.3069 or email hzbinden@cals.org) SEVEN business weekdays before a program.

For any questions about the program please call 501.320.5726 or email Danielle Afsordeh.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History & Genealogy | Community Resource |

Main Library
Phone: 501.918.3000
Branch manager
Eliza Borné
Hours
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Main Library

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Branch manager
Eliza Borné
Address
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Tel: 501.918.3000

Upcoming Events

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Halloween Lanterns - In the Makerspace!
Thu, Oct 08, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Paint and decorate a spooky lantern for Halloween!
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Science Sparks: Vanishing Ghosts
Thu, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Work through the steps of the Scientific method as we Explore what happens when Styrofoam packing peanuts are submerged in water!
Beaded Spiders
Thu, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens are invited to learn how to take wire and colorful beads to turn them into tiny spider creations. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Oct 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Banned Books Banner - In the makerspace!
Fri, Oct 09, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
For banned books week, we will make a small banner that shows our love of banned books! This project will be done with hand sewing.
Paint The Town Pink
Fri, Oct 09, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Create a beautiful pink-themed canvas while celebrating courage, hope, awareness, and community.
Game Show Greats
Fri, Oct 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come play some classic game shows and win fun prizes! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Apple Taste Test
Fri, Oct 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Red or green, tart or sweet? There's so many kinds of apples to eat! Come share with your friends a tasty fall treat.
ENGAGE Civic Academy for Teens
Sat, Oct 10, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
232 | Teen Center Digital Program Room
Earn community service hours while learning how to make a real difference in your community. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
The Culinary Expedition Series - Flädlesuppe
Sat, Oct 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Let's travel around and discover new foods from different cultures! This class we will travel to Germany and learn how to make Flädlesuppe!
This event is full
Fall Perler Bead Keychains
Mon, Oct 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Create keychains for the fall season using mini perler bead patterns! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
CD Case Corn Maze
Mon, Oct 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's make a mini corn maze using glue, CD cases and beads!
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Oct 13, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Intro to Building a Website - Part 2
Tue, Oct 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Learn an introduction on creating a websites with a database called Fiero Code. This will be a series of 3 parts. The second part we will begin with an intro to CSS. *Please bring library card to access database
This event is full
Embossed Foil Art
Tue, Oct 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Make some shiny, textured art with this faux embossing technique! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Pumpkin Painting
Wed, Oct 14, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Turn an ordinary pumpkin into a colorful fall masterpiece during this fun, hands-on painting workshop.
Embroidery Hoop Ghosts
Wed, Oct 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Today we will create cute, ghostly decor using embroidery hoops and lace doilies.
Mini Sweet Potato Pies
Wed, Oct 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
The holidays are coming up, so let's learn how to make a mini sweet potato pie! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Showtime and More at Main
Thu, Oct 15, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
A free community program combining entertainment, meaningful conversation, and valuable resources to support personal growth and lifelong learning.
Science Sparks: Pasta Fountain
Thu, Oct 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Learn about the Mould Effect and defying gravity with this fun pasta experiment!
Autumn Friendship Bracelets
Thu, Oct 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Learn to use embroidery thread and knots to create these charmed friendship bracelets in your favorite fall colors. Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Oct 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
3rd Friday Job Search Help
Fri, Oct 16, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Every third Friday of the month come learn what library resources can help you on your job search! Resume help will be available.
Game Show Greats
Fri, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come play some classic game shows and win fun prizes! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament
Fri, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Team up and compete against your friends in this twist on a classic game!
Renaissance Faire
Sat, Oct 17, 10:00am - 2:30pm
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Good Sirs and Ladies! Let it be known throughout the land that the Main Library will soon be immersed in history and fantasy. We bid all ages welcome to this event. We do summon thee to come dressed in your finest attire.
Fall Paper Wreaths
Mon, Oct 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens can cut and glue fall leaves, ghosts, and pumpkins out of construction paper and create these festive fall wreaths to decorate for the upcoming holiday. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Minecraft Monster Art
Mon, Oct 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Minecraft is full of monsters! Today we will make art inspired by them while using perler beads!
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Oct 20, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Makerspace - Halloween Cookie Magnets
Tue, Oct 20, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Recreate nostalgia and paint your own magnet inspired by Pillsbury Halloween cookies.
Teen Book Club
Tue, Oct 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
232 | Teen Center Digital Program Room
In this teen book club we will be focusing on banned books and/or books that have LGBTQ representation. This book club is all inclusive and open to everyone age 13-18.
Beyond the Grant - Diversifying Funds for Greater Impact
Tue, Oct 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Funding your mission takes more than grants. Join nonprofit and community leaders to explore ways to diversify revenue, build strategic partnerships, attract corporate support, and create sustainable funding beyond traditional grants.
DIY Hummingbird Feeders
Tue, Oct 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's create a special treat for our tiny, feathered friends!
Salt Painting
Tue, Oct 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Lets make some 3D autumnal art with salt and watercolors! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Oct 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Self-Care & Sip
Wed, Oct 21, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Slow down and recharge with refreshing alcohol-free drinks, journaling, relaxation activities, and meaningful conversation.
Halloween Silicone Bead Bracelets
Wed, Oct 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Elevate your bracelet making skills with some spooky Halloween themed silicone beads!
Painting with Bob Ross
Wed, Oct 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
In this program, we will make some fall "happy trees". No materials required, just good vibes! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Puzzle Time
Thu, Oct 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Get together and build an autumn themed puzzle with your peers! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Monster Popcorn
Thu, Oct 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Mix and Match some sweet and salty snacks to create the perfect monster popcorn!
Author Talk: David Stricklin Talks Al Stricklin
Thu, Oct 22, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
David Stricklin in conversation with Carmie Henry will discuss his new book Brother Al Stricklin Now: Memories of a Texas Playboy.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Oct 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Game Show Greats
Fri, Oct 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come play some classic game shows and win fun prizes! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Keep it in Mind- Memory Games
Fri, Oct 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Get to know each other and yourself in these fun, collaborative memory games!
Pink & Powerful: Breast Health Awareness
Fri, Oct 23, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Join us for an empowering breast-health discussion focused on awareness, screenings, early detection, and helpful community resources.
Day of the Dead / Día de Muertos
Sat, Oct 24, 11:00am - 2:00pm
CALS is thrilled to invite you to our Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival! Join us on Saturday, October 24, at Main Library for a lively and colorful celebration of culture and heritage.
Day of the Dead Festival Craft Corner - Drop in, All Ages Welcome!
Sat, Oct 24, 11:00am - 2:00pm
In CALS Parking Lot
The event is free to attend and parking is free with validation in the library lot/deck (as space is available).
ENGAGE Civic Academy for Teens
Sat, Oct 24, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
232 | Teen Center Digital Program Room
Earn community service hours while learning how to make a real difference in your community. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
DIY Halloween Masks
Mon, Oct 26, All day
131 | Martin Children's Center
Halloween is around the corner! Get crafty and make your own spooky Halloween mask.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Oct 27, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Intro to Building a Website - Part 3
Tue, Oct 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
We will learn an introduction on creating a websites with a database called Fiero Code. This is the last part of the series, where we will begin with an intro to JavaScipt. *Please bring library card to access database
Pumpkin Ring Toss
Tue, Oct 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Play some fun fall-themed minute-to-win it games with your friends!
Faux Bug Jars
Tue, Oct 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Capture some creepy crawlies in these DIY faux bug jars! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Oct 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Pumpkin Clay Molds
Wed, Oct 28, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Use clay and pumpkin-shaped molds to create charming decorative pumpkins for your fall décor.
Ghost Pillows
Wed, Oct 28, 2:00pm - 5:30pm
235 | Makerspace
Some sewing experience is required. Use the sewing machine to make a cute ghost pillow!
Spooky Party
Wed, Oct 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Can you withstand these spooky and weird dares? Come by and see! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
DIY Halloween Treat Packs
Wed, Oct 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Learn how to make cute little paper treat packets for holding candy or prizes!
Costume Exchange
Thu, Oct 29, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Give gently used costumes a second life by exchanging them for something new-to-you before Halloween.
Halloween Slime
Thu, Oct 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Make Halloween themed slime from glue, and top it with fun fall-themed charms. Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Oct 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Scary Campfire Stories
Fri, Oct 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Kids beware, you're in for a scare! Gather 'round the campfire to listen to our spooooky tales, if you dare...
Caramel Apple Bar
Fri, Oct 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
It's almost Halloween! Come have a treat before you trick-or-treat and make your own custom bite of caramel apple! Events in the Rice Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Makerspace Halloween Party
Sat, Oct 31, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Celebrate Halloween in the makerspace! Make crafts, have snacks, and listen to some spooky tunes. Costumes are welcome!
Halloween Bash!
Sat, Oct 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Happy Halloween! We will have treats, games and mystery crafts for our spooky guests! Come in costume...if you dare.
Monthly Tour of the Main Library
Wed, Nov 04, 10:30am - 11:45am
Welcome to your new Main Library! On the first Wednesday of each month, join library staff on a tour of the newly renovated Main Library.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Nov 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Interpreting the Trail of Tears Along the Arkansas River - Legacies & Lunch November 2026
Wed, Nov 04, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
During National Native American Heritage Month, Aaron Boswell will discuss the development of an interpretive strategy for the Arkansas River water route of the Trail of Tears, created through his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Showtime and More at Main
Thu, Nov 05, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
A free community program combining entertainment, meaningful conversation, and valuable resources to support personal growth and lifelong learning.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Nov 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
2026 Genealogy Workshop - featuring Dr. Margarita Lila Rosa
Sat, Nov 07, 9:00am - 3:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Discover your family's history in this free immersive, full-day workshop led by Dr. Margarita Rosa. Learn how to uncover hidden records, build a meaningful family tree, and interpret historical documents that bring your ancestors' stories to life.
ENGAGE Civic Academy for Teens
Sat, Nov 07, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
232 | Teen Center Digital Program Room
Earn community service hours while learning how to make a real difference in your community. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
See all events