The Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society (SBCGS) will host its annual Family History Month Open House, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Sahyun Genealogical Library, 316 Castillo St., Santa Barbara.

Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Guadalupe church-Santa Barbara, circa 1927 with congregation members standing outside the church.

The event will feature the debut of a special exhibit: Santa Barbara Hispanic Family Histories, 1850–1970, highlighting the stories, photographs, and legacies of local families whose histories are woven into the cultural fabric of Santa Barbara.

Guests can also receive special assistance with Hispanic genealogy research, offering practical help to start or expand their own family history journey.

The Open House will also offer a variety of activities:
• Family Search Discovery Experiences – Find famous relatives, explore your family in the 1950 census, record family memories, and take home a personalized family tree fan chart (free FamilySearch account required).
• Library Tours and Research Help – Explore Sahyun Library’s collections with guidance from experienced volunteers and special interest groups.
• Community Organizations and Lineage Groups – Connect with local partners dedicated to preserving history and heritage.
• Free Computer and Database Access – Use library computers and subscription genealogy websites at no cost during the event.
• Light refreshments and networking – Enjoy refreshments while connecting with fellow genealogy enthusiasts.

“Our Open House is about more than research, it’s about connection,” said Holly Snyder, SBCGS outreach chair.

“Every family has a story worth preserving, and this event offers the tools, resources, and inspiration to help uncover and share those stories,” she said.

For more information, visit SBGEN.org or contact Outreach@SBGEN.org.