Travel & History

Genealogy: How Digital Tools Can Help You Discover Your Family History

Wednesday, Mar 26, 2025

3:00 p.m. ET • 2:00 p.m. CT • 1:00 p.m. MT • 12:00 p.m. PT

Duration: 60 Minutes

Zoom - Free Online Event

For questions, contact AARP OR at oraarp@aarp.org

Join our workshop on tracing your family tree to learn about the latest digital tools and free resources available to help you in your research.

About the Event

You don't have to be a genealogy expert to research your ancestry and find out about your family history! Numerous websites and platforms now make it possible to start learning about your ancestors from home.

We'll discuss some of the most popular digital tools available and explore their features. We'll also talk about how to access free resources, including those available from many public libraries, and explore websites offering tips and guidance on creating your own digital family tree.

How to Join

Sign in to your aarp.org account or create an account to register for events. AARP membership is not required. You will receive an email with the Zoom link before the session.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the Virtual Community Center (VCC)?

An online destination where you can discover free interactive virtual events and classes designed for learning, self improvement, and fun.

Where is the Calendar/How do I filter by date?

Navigate to the home page and click the plus next to 'Filter Events by Date & Category' to display the calendar. You can then select a specific date or week you wish to see the events available.

Are the events free?

Yes! All events on the VCC are free and available to AARP members and non-members alike. AARP membership is NOT required to create an account or attend an event that is featured on the VCC.

What kind of events are offered on the VCC?

We offer various events on the VCC, including exercise classes, movie screenings, cooking classes, and more. Some of our popular categories include Exercise & Wellness, Movies, Music & More, Work & Money, Travel & History, and Food & Drink.

To find events based on your interests, navigate to the home page and click the plus next to 'Filter Events by Date & Category.' This will guide you to explore events in various categories, such as Caregiving, Cultural Connections, Gardening & Nature, and many more.

Event Registration

How do I create an AARP account?

You must have an AARP account to register for events. Create a free AARP account.

How do I register for an event?

Select the red 'Register' button on the Event Details page.

Complete the online registration form for your event.

A confirmation page will display when you complete your registration. Select 'Add to Calendar' to save the event to your calendar.

You will receive a registration confirmation email as well as emails with links and instructions on how to join closer to the event start date.

I registered for an event, but did not receive a confirmation email?

A confirmation email should appear in your inbox after registering. If it's not there, please check your Spam, Junk, or Trash folder. If the confirmation still isn't there, contact the event planner whose email can be found at the top of the Event Details page (i.e. txaarp.org).

I want to register for an event, but it says the event is full?

If the event registration is full, please contact the event planner whose email can be found at the top of the Event Details page (i.e. txaarp.org).

Who do I contact if I can't register for an event/keep getting an error message?

If you can't register for the event, please contact the event planner whose email can be found at the top of the Event Details page (i.e. txaarp.org).

My event is about to start, how do I join?

The event planner will send a reminder email with a link to join at least 1 hour prior to the event. If you don't see it, please check your Spam, Junk, or Trash folder. If it's not there, contact the event planner whose email can be found at the top of the Event Details page (i.e. txaarp.org).

How do I cancel/modify my registration?

You will receive a confirmation email after registering for an event. In this email, you can modify or cancel your reservation.

I can't make my event. Will it be recorded?

Select events are available to view on demand for a limited time, or through Members Only Access. If you are unsure if an event is recorded, contact the event planner whose email can be found at the top of the Event Details page (i.e. txaarp.org). Learn more about Members Only Access.

Tech Support

I can't login to my AARP.org account?

Try re-setting your password by clicking 'forgot my password' on the AARP login page. If the problem persists, contact 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).

My event is on Zoom; what is that and how do I use it?

Set up a free Zoom account. Once you have created your account and downloaded Zoom on your device, you will be able to access the Zoom link provided in your event reminder email. Please note: the event won't start on Zoom until it's designated time.

For more information, or to test out Zoom, visit the Zoom Support website.

My event is on Facebook, can I join without a Facebook account?

Yes; Facebook Live videos are public, so viewers can watch on any device with/without a Facebook account. You can find the event's Facebook page in the event description or in the event reminder email you will receive the day of event.

How do I join my Facebook Live event?

When the event host goes live, a post with the live video is visible in your Facebook Feed. You can click the video to watch it there or you can join from the Facebook event page:

From your Facebook Feed, click Events in the left menu (you may have to click See More first).
Click Your Events, then Going.
Select your event, then click Join Live.

For more information visit the Facebook Help Center.

My event is on YouTube, can I join without a YouTube account?

Yes; YouTube Live videos are public, so viewers can watch on any device with/without a YouTube account. Just click the link to view in the event reminder email.

My event is on Brandlive. What is that platform and how do I access it?

Brandlive is an online platform that hosts virtual events. This platform works best on Chrome or Firefox (Internet Explorer is NOT supported). To view the content, simply click the link in your email and confirm your information before joining the event. The program will play automatically at the event start time.

How do I attend virtual Movies for Grownups screenings?

To register for and attend a virtual Movies for Grownups event you must log in using your AARP online account. If you already have an AARP online account, you can sign into that account using your account username and password to register for a screening and attend. If you do not have an AARP online account, you must create one to register and attend a movie screening.

Registration is required: You must pre-register before each screening to watch. Movies for Grownups uses a platform called Eventive to host virtual screenings. You can watch by downloading the AARP Streams app, watch via the Eventive browser on a computer or laptop, or watch on TV via screenshare from your phone to your TV using Chromecast or Airplay.

We recommend you test your device in advance to ensure it’s compatible with Eventive. Test your device at aarp.org/MFGTest

For helpful tips on how to set up streaming on your TV or to chat with someone directly for assistance, visit the Eventive Help Center.

Learn more about Movies for Grownups.

Where can I go for additional questions related to the VCC?

For any additional technical support/questions please contact vcc@aarp.org.