Erin Hunt of Taylorsville, Utah, left, looks through Irish land records with Family History Library staffer Mark Gardner at the Mormon church-owned library in Salt Lake City in this May 4, 2010 photo. The library is visited by some 700,000 people annually and is widely considered the world's largest repository of genealogy records. (AP Photo/Mike Stark)

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, October 23, 2018:

Family history and genealogical research is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the world. People trace their lineage and map their family tree for any number of reasons. Some people want to validate history and family stories, others are motivated by unanswered medical questions and to assess risks and conditions.

As more people begin searching genealogical sites, databases grow larger and connections are made. In the internet age, mapping a family tree is at right at your fingertips. 

In 2001, Congress declared October as National Family History Month in the United States. Every year, the National Archives hosts a virtual Genealogy Fair via live webcast on YouTube. The sessions offer family history research tools on Federal records for all skill levels. Thousands of family historians participate in the live event. 

Aaron McWilliams, an archivist with the Pennsylvania State Archives, joins Smart Talk on Tuesday to discuss ways to research your family tree. 

Aaron McWilliams

Also, Smart Talk is featuring interviews with candidates running for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives before the November 6 general election. All candidates who appear on the ballot in the WITF listening area and who have opponents were invited to be on the program.

Joining Smart Talk on Tuesday is Congressman Lloyd Smucker, who is running for reelection in the 11th district that encompasses Lancaster County and the southern part of York County.

Congressman Lloyd Smucker