The Department of Culture successfully launched the 2025 Bermudian Heartbeats Lecture Series on March 6, 2025, with an engaging event on genealogy, drawing an enthusiastic audience eager to explore their family histories. Tracing Our Roots: Untold Stories through Genealogy provided valuable insights into ancestral research, reinforcing the community’s strong interest in preserving heritage.
The event showcased the community’s desire to learn about their past, not only to strengthen personal connections to family history but also to help sustain cultural identity for future generations. It featured a panel of speakers who provided unique insights into the world of genealogical research.
Journalist and historian Jessie Moniz-Hardy captivated attendees with personal stories of her own lineage, emphasising the importance of preserving family narratives. Those wishing to explore more of her research can visit her Facebook group, Bermuda Lookups.
Dr. Carika Weldon shed light on the role of DNA testing in tracing ancestry and provided a lucky audience member with a free CariGenetics BeforeYou ancestry DNA testing kit.
Adding to the wealth of knowledge shared, Ellen Hollis, Local Studies Librarian from the Bermuda National Library, guided attendees on how to access invaluable tools and archives, empowering them to further their genealogical research.
The event will be available shortly via CITV and the Department of Culture’s YouTube channel. For those interested in more enriching cultural experiences, visit culture.bm to stay informed about upcoming events hosted by the Department of Culture.