Something about his story - the loss of his wife and son, the Escort Rock gold heist, his shooting - has captured our imaginations.

So much so that more than 150 years on from his death, Forbes expects to host the premiere of a feature film on him.

But how did he come to be in Forbes? What of his family? Interest has only grown in recent years - as has the number of people who come to Forbes trying to establish how they are connected to him. 

On Saturday, the Forbes Railway Arts and Craft Centre and visitor information centre unveiled a panel about the family to help answer some of the questions. 

Cr Grant Clifton unveiled the panel on Saturday and said there hadn’t been a lot of information available until the locals starting researching.

“A lot of people come in and ask about Ben Hall,” he said.

“The ladies here acknowledged there was a gap in history and not a lot of people available to provide that information.” 

Kerry Neaylon has been researching the information for the panel for the better part of 12 months. 

She started with Hall’s parents, his one son and grandchildren.

The overflow of information that has been unearthed about the family - and extended family - has been compiled into an information booklet that will be kept at the visitor information centre. 

Barbara Dunn, descended from Hall’s older brother William, was thrilled with the panel although she said it had been a shock to learn the bushranger was in her own family tree.

“We must retain our history, good or bad,” she said. 

“It’s criminal what we have already lost because of shame - this is only a young nation.” 

Organisers received an apology from Laraine Cook, descendant of Ben Hall’s only son, who could not attend.

She said she looks forward to returning to Forbes for the premiere of The Legend of Ben Hall later this year.

The unveiling of the family tree was one of the key events of Forbes Heritage 2016, other key events on the weekend included a heritage-themed family picnic at South Circle Oval 

The inaugural Forbes Heritage tug-o-war challenge was won by the dragon boating team at the family picnic on Sunday.

The picnic also featured traditional egg-and-spoon and three-legged races and a performance by the town band. 

Forbes Heritage continued last night with the unveiling of two new doctor panels at the Forbes Medical Centre.

Tonight sees the celebration of Forbes Heritage 2016 conclude with the presentation of the Forbes Medal and Heritage Volunteer awards at Town Hall.