BATH — Local history and family trees will be at the center of an annual celebration in Bath.

This year’s Bath Fest, planned for May 17, is titled “Bath Roots Run Deep”, a nod to the event’s genealogical theme.

“This is great for anybody who ever wanted to start doing their family genealogy, but they just weren’t sure where to begin,” said Leigh Swain, Historic Bath State Historic Site manager. “We’ll have tables set up at Bonner Point and there will be people there to help them.”

Assisting with the event will be local historians, a research librarian from the state library and representatives of the Beaufort County Genealogical Society.

While Bath Fest is hosted by the entire town, the historic site does play a pivotal role. Free tours of the circa 1751 Palmer-Marsh House and the circa 1830 Bonner House will be offered during the day, according to Swain.

Rounding out the planned schedule of events will be arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, music and theatrical performances and food booths. Admission to Bath Fest is free and activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Also on May 17, the annual Cut-throat Croquet Tournament will be played from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. That fundraising event is hosted by the Beaufort County Community College Foundation. For more information, call 252-923-3971.

Bath Fest kicks off a full summer season of special events in Bath, according to Swain.

On June 7, the historic site will present “Storms Make History, Too!” Clay Johnson, WRAL-TV’s documentary producer, will facilitate a question and answer session and offer screenings of two short films about hurricanes Floyd and Hazel. The event runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the visitor center and is free to the public

June 13 marks the grand opening of the Queen Anne’s Revenge Traveling Exhibit in Bath. A ribbon cutting ceremony at the visitor center is planned for 10 a.m., Swain said. Artifacts from Blackbeard’s ship will be on display for a six-week period. The artifact collection includes weaponry, nautical tools and personal items.

June 19 is the first of a series of Pirate Past Times Day Camps for the area’s younger residents. The first installment is open to children 4 to 7 years old. Other scheduled dates for the camps are June 26 (ages 8-11), July 3 (ages 12-15), July 10 (ages 4-7), July 17 (ages 8-11) and July 24 (ages 12-15).

Cost is $10 per day per camper; the fee covers food and supplies. Space is limited so parents are urged to register their children by calling 252-923-3971 or emailing bath@ncdcr.gov.

More information about upcoming Historic Bath events will be featured in future editions of the Daily News.