National Genealogical Society, Vivid-Pix, FamilySearch join together for healthy aging symposium May 22

May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 GaryPageau FamilySearch, National Genealogical Society, Vivid-Pix

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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the National Genealogical Society, the leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting genealogical research and education, Vivid-Pix, a leader in photo Reminiscence Therapy (pRT) research and scanning/restoration technology, and FamilySearch, the world’s largest repository of family history resources, announced The Symposium on Healthy Aging and the Role of the Family History Community, an in-person and online event to be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 1:00 PM–5:00 PM ET at The Galt House Hotel, 140 N Fourth St, Louisville, KY (invitation only), with free online access at: webinar.

The Symposium on Healthy Aging and the Role of the Family History Community will tackle mental health, healthy aging, AgeTech, and family history, identifying areas where people can learn about America’s aging population and take action. “Family history activities are a pathway to good mental health to combat social isolation. The research, analysis, and writings associated with family history stimulate brain activity; storytelling, photos, and mementos bring back happy memories and intergenerational connection,” said Dr. Charlotte Yeh, Founder, Yeh Innovation, Past Chief Medical Officer, AARP.

“We’ve witnessed firsthand how photo Reminiscence Therapy (pRT) can reduce social isolation, improve medication compliance, and enhance connection and cognitive performance with older adults. That’s why we’re dedicated to expanding its availability and making this therapy affordable to all who need it, as well as supporting others’ work to help our community,” said Rick Voight, CEO, Vivid-Pix.

Important topics include:

Understanding the health and cognitive issues facing an aging American population.
How aging, isolation, and loneliness affect cognition – and how to assist those impacted.
How the family history community can help our communities and the aging population.
Activities that individuals and organizations, such as genealogy societies, libraries, archives, and museums (SLAMs), are conducting to support healthy aging.

Esteemed panelists include the leaders in aging health, genealogy, technology, museums, and societies, including:

Charity Rouse, NGS Delegate Council Secretary, and Spartanburg County Public Libraries
Crista Cowan, Corporate Genealogist, Ancestry
Curt Witcher, Director, Special Collections & Manager, Genealogy Center, Allen County Public Library
David Rencher, National Genealogical Society President and Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch
Debbie Gurtler, FamilySearch Library
Dr. Charlotte Yeh, Founder, Yeh Innovation, Past Chief Medical Officer, AARP
Dr. Shelley Murphy, International African American Museum (IAAM)
Ed Donakey, Deputy Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch
Ellen Goodwin, Co-Founder, Artifcts
Jake Rankin, Owner, Talem Home Care, Certified Senior Advisor
John Dougan, NGS Board Member and Missouri State Archivist
Matt Menashes, Executive Director, National Genealogical Society
Matt Weismantel, NGS Delegate Council Chair
Rick Voight, CEO, Vivid-Pix
Sheri Rose, CEO, Thrive Center
Theda Heiserman, Director of Training & Education, CERTUS Institute

“We’ve found that when helping people trace their roots, it can be transformative for a person’s mental health and perspective,” said Dr. Shelley Murphy of the Center for Family History at the International African American Museum (IAAM). “The people who attend programs at the museum come away with new energy, stronger connections to their past, and a newfound passion for family history research.”

Uniquely suited to support systemic activities that promote healthy aging and the family, the National Genealogical Society, Vivid-Pix, FamilySearch, and over 2,500 societies, libraries, archives, and museums are helping thousands of people daily with family history research. “The family history community, made up of passionate professionals, hobbyists, and thousands of organizations, helps people learn about their past through research, writing, and storytelling. These activities improve mental health and build strong relationships,” stated David Rencher, NGS president and Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch. “We think our community is well-positioned to improve long-term outcomes for an aging population.”