ROCKFORD — For those who are interested in finding out more about their family history, especially those who have ancestors from Rockford, the third annual Remember Rockford Families Reunion is the place to be on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hannah Holyfield, president of the Rockford Preservation Society, said the reunion that began in 2010 was held over a three-day period. Last year and this year, however, the event is held on one day.

“We had over 100 people that came from nine states the first year. It’s hard to expected people from Nebraska or Kansas to come every year,” said Holyfield.

She said last year about 50 to 60 people came from North and South Carolina, Virginia and West Virgina. She said this year she is expecting between 40 and 60 people.

She said there are many descendants of Thomas Whitaker, Mark York and other Rockford residents of note. Since Rockford was the county seat from 1789 to 1850, there are a lot of descendants of the community. She has been talking to some people who are just finding out that they descended from Rockford residents and are planning to come to the reunion this year.

This event is open to the public.

“If anyone is interested in the history of Rockford, they are certainly welcome,” said Holyfield.

Events will take place at the Rockford Masonic Lodge, the Mark York Tavern and the Rockford Methodist Church. The day’s activities will include traditional music, a barbecue lunch and sharing of family and local history. Pamela Branscome, who dresses in period clothing, will be on hand to provide dulcimer music.

During the reunion, there will be a dedication of the new Whitaker/York marker and handrails donated by Bob and Betty Whitaker and several other Whitaker and York families.

There will be a table at the reunion where descendants can bring family photos, research and family trees to display, and a copier will be available for folks to share information.

Attendees are encouraged to bring favorite family recipes for compiling into a Rockford Family Recipes book which the Rockford Preservation Society is planning to publish, Holyfield said.

Holyfield said all of the buildings will be open so that those attending the reunion can see how much restoration has been done and what work needs to be done to preserve the history of the village nestled beside the Yadkin River.

In addition to this event, the Rockford Preservation Society is sponsoring a Day with the Photographer on Sept. 15 at the Davenport Gallery in the Village of Rockford. Dale and Becky Carlson of the Bluemoonistic Images Team will be featured.

“We believe vision starts in the mind. We work to use our talents as a photographer and a poet to connect you to the moment. We want the spirit of place to artistically shine through,” said Dale Carlson.

The Carlsons have several photographs in the Davenport Gallery of the Village of Rockford for sale and will have other landscape photographic art for sale that day, also.

“Come out and see the historic Village of Rockford and visit with Dale and Becky. You will enjoy the beautiful photography. You might just find the art that you can’t live without,” said Holyfield.

The Davenport Gallery also has local artists’ pottery, jewelry, stained glass, paintings, pen and ink prints and more.

Holyfield said the artist’s visit is something the society is planning to continue one day a month. She said all types of artists will be featured.

For more information or to register online, go to www.rememberrockford.com to find a registration form to mail to the Rockford Preservation Society, Inc. Registration fee for the day is $10 which includes lunch. The cost for the event is $5 for children.

For more information regarding both events, contact the Rockford Preservation Society at 374-3825.

Reach Mondee Tilley at mtilley@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1930.