Have you ever wondered how your family settled in Southern California? Where did you r grandparents or great-grandparents come from? Why did they move? People move for many reasons, and local genealogical groups can help you on your search for your family migrations. Whether you are looking on how to start your ancestral search or have hit a roadblock with census reports and town records, local genealogical societies will be on hand to help guide you. Listen to presentations throughout the day or ask the genealogical societies for specifics as you go back to the beginning.

“Back to the Beginning” is part of Journey Stories brought to Heritage Museum of Orange County by the Smithsonian Institution & Exhibit Envoy. Enjoy historic photos, artifacts, and personal accounts from the individuals that make up Journey Stories, the history of the development & evolution of our need as Americans to move and expand – to journey – both physically & psychologically.

Journey Stories will be open daily, 9am – 5pm, October 5 – November 16, 2014. Thank you to AAA & Wells Fargo for their generous sponsorships.

Image of Mary Maag (standing) & family members on a picnic as they drive to Columbus, Nebraska.  Maag Family Collection, Heritage Museum of Orange County.