The City Archives and Special Collections of the New Orleans Public Library will host its second-annual GenFest on Friday, April 5, 2025, at Dillard University’s Professional School and Sciences Building (24 East Rd.). The event will bring together southeastern Louisiana’s top genealogical, preservation, cultural, and historical organizations for a one-day festival that celebrates heritage, family history, and community storytelling.

Celebrating Community and Local History

This year’s theme, “Creating Community and History With One Another,” speaks to the heart of what makes New Orleans unique. Christina Bryant, Director of the City Archives & Special Collections, emphasized the significance of shared spaces and experiences in shaping our identities.

“Our identities and communities are also made up of where we lived, went to school, our neighborhoods, extended family and much more,” Bryant said. “We are very excited that we have been able to expand this year’s GenFest to provide more amazing community partners to interact with our attendees.”

The event aims to encourage attendees to connect with one another, explore personal and regional history, and reflect on how community shapes our individual and collective legacies.

What to Expect at GenFest 2025

GenFest will feature:

• Exhibits from regional genealogical and historical organizations

• Informational programs led by local experts

• A diverse discussion panel on this year’s theme

• Interactive booths with cultural and preservation organizations

One of the major highlights of this year’s conference is the debut of a new digital photograph collection from the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO). This collection features more than 300 images from the 1940s to the 1970s and offers rare insight into the city’s residential history.

Keynote and Featured Presentations

Leonard Smith III will deliver the keynote presentation, “A Place Called Desire: HANO Records and Legacy,” offering a powerful narrative on the city’s housing history.

Additional sessions include:

• “Discovering Josephine” by Gaynell Brady

• “Uncovering the Past: Plantation History, Enslaved Narratives, and Descendant Research” by Ja’el “YaYa” Gordon

• “How Cemetery Destructions Affected Louisiana Law” by Ryan Seidemann

Each speaker brings a unique and insightful perspective on Louisiana’s complex historical and genealogical narratives.

Community Support and Growing Interest

GenFest 2025 is proudly sponsored by:

• Friends of the New Orleans Public Library

• Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

• Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Cultural Development, Division of Historic Preservation

• National Park Service

Shannan Cvitanovic, Executive Director of the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, said last year’s event far exceeded expectations.

“Last year we expected 250 attendees and welcomed over twice as many,” Cvitanovic said. “It shows how many people are interested in local history and how that history connects to their families’ stories.”

Plan Your Visit to GenFest

GenFest 2025 will take place:

• Date: Friday, April 5, 2025

• Location: Dillard University – Professional School and Sciences Building (24 East Rd., New Orleans, LA)

The event is free and open to the public.

For the full schedule, speaker updates, and additional event details, visit the official GenFest page: nolalibrary.co/GenFest2024