Each year leading up to the Santa Clarita Valley Family History and Technology Fair, the Valencia Family History Center selects one lucky resident and presents them with a complete family history portfolio.

This year, Tom Cole, community development director for the city of Santa Clarita, was selected and received a family history portfolio that went back seven generations.

“I am amazed at what happens here in the library,” said Cole. “What a trip down memory lane.  This is so valuable for me and will mean so much to my wife, parents and my brothers.”

“I am very grateful and so appreciate what you have done for me and my family.”

Harry McLaughlin, Glenna Rae White, and Tom Tippets spent nearly 80 hours researching into Cole’s past at the Valencia Family History Center

“It was such a rewarding experience to work on the family history for Tom. He was helpful, gracious, and appreciative,” said Glenna Rae White, director of the Valencia Family History Center.

“As consultants, we find great joy and get so excited when we are able to find original records for individuals we are searching for, and then connect family lines together generation after generation.”

Also in attendance at the Family History Library when Cole was presented with the large binder containing over 100 years of his family history where Santa Clarita Valley Councilman Bob Kellar and Dr. Michael Stanley from the USC Office of Religious Life.

“What a privilege it is to have to have access to the resources that enable people be able to connect their family tree from the roots to the branches,” said Dr. Stanley

“Tom will now have the opportunity to share with his parents and family the rich heritage that is theirs. The effort Tom made to discover his family history, with the great assistance of Harry and Glenna Rae, may well be a treasure in the Cole family for generations to come.”

The Family History Library is free and open to anyone who wants to learn more about their own past, you can learn more about it here.

Also coming up is the Santa Clarita Valley Family History and Technology Fair Saturday, April 22 at the Valencia Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints.

You can learn more about the event here.