A free event will be held at the Hilda Hoffman Memorial Archive in Picayune on Saturday to help families preserve the stories of individuals who have passed, or are still alive.

Starting at 10 a.m. Pearl River County Genealogy Club President Mike Fitzwilliam will give a visual presentation on how to compile the story of a family member’s life.

Hilda Hoffman Memorial Archive Board member Don Wicks said the event is free and open to the public. He expects the presentation to last about an hour, after which there will be time for questions and answers. Children are also welcome.

Wicks said that even though some family members may have passed on, that person’s story can still be compiled by interviewing those who knew them best. Keeping a diary is another good way to pass on the stories of a person’s life.

The Hilda Hoffman Memorial Archive also has several records on hand to assist with the research of those who lived in Pearl River County. With hundreds of binders donated by families, obituary library and more than 100 boxes of loose documentation, the facility is like a small museum. It also features some historic items in glass cases, and registered members gain access to the Archive’s Ancestry.com account.

The Archive is located at 301 Williams Ave., and can be reached by calling 601-799-5671. Refreshments will be served.