The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society is bringing locals one step closer to finding out their family heritage in a more efficient way.
A recent $47,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has allowed the society to bring in a research coordinator to help with information and preservation.
"This grant's going to allow us help people start their family history research," says Samantha Meredith, executive director and curator. "Say they have old photos and stuff that are kind of falling apart, we can have the programs available to help digitize those photos."
Meredith adds the need for a research coordinator comes from the increase seen over the past year for this type of service.
"Last year, we had a lot of people coming in for [information] and we would have to call in our volunteers to come in and kind of direct people with where to look," she says.
In addition to having a research coordinator, Meredith says they're bringing in new supplies such as scanners and binders to stay organized.
Funding will be given to the society over an 11-month period.
Although people have already started going in for these services, Meredith says the official announcement will be made during their Black History Month event.
The event will be held on February 18 at 1pm, at their museum, which is located on King St. in Chatham.
