An upcoming workshop sponsored by the Tennessee State Library and Archives will help aspiring genealogists find out not just who their ancestors were, but how they actually lived.

In the workshop, Nashville attorney and genealogical expert Paul R. White will provide tips on how people can transform their ancestors from mere names on old documents into real people who experienced life’s ups and downs with their families, jobs and hobbies.

The workshop, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Aug. 7 at the Tennessee State Library and Archives building in Nashville. The workshop is titled “Developing Personalities and Finding Obscure Records in Genealogical Research.”

“I am pleased that the State Library and Archives is able to offer a workshop that will tap into some of Mr. White’s expertise,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “Many people are interested in genealogical research. This workshop is geared toward helping them take that research to another level. I think most people who are interested in genealogy want to know more than just their ancestors’ names; they want to know what kind of people they were.”

White researches and writes on a variety of genealogical and historical topics. He is the author of a book titled Taproots: A Virginia Carolina Legacy and “George Washington: America’s Man for All Seasons,” an article that appeared in the Daughters of the American Revolution national magazine in May 1993.

Those wishing to attend this workshop must contact TSLA to reserve a seat because the number of attendees is limited. Reservations can be made via e-mail to workshop.tsla@tn.gov. Patrons can also register by telephone by calling 615-741-2764.

Parking is available in front, on the side and in back of the library building, which is located next to the State Capitol at 403 Seventh Avenue North.