The Best Family History Activities

October is Family History Month, and we’re here to help you find motivation to get started on any piece of your family history that you’ve been hoping to start. Family History isn’t just sitting at a computer looking through archives and search engines. Family History includes learning more about your ancestors’ cultures, and then weaving them into your own family traditions. It’s gathering family around to tell stories and share wisdom. 

This month, we hope you’ll find a bit of time to invest toward discovering more about your family history. We’ve created a Family History Challenge with one simple task every week here–whether you’re a beginner or experienced, we have fun challenges that will revive your passion for learning about your ancestors!

For now, here are some ideas to inspire you and your family to continue your family history in a variety of ways:

7 WAYS TO SHARE FAMILY HISTORY WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN

Why should you share your family history with your grandchildren?The story of your own life is uniquely yours, and, if not shared with your children and grandchildren, will become lost forever. You can’t just assume that your children already know your stories and will pass them on. They must be shared in a way that brings them to life and gives meaning to others.  

Your story isn’t just about you, but includes your ancestors. Sharing this rich tapestry of family history with your grandchildren not only connects them to their roots but also imparts valuable life lessons, traditions, and a sense of identity.  

In this article, we’ll walk you through a few ways to share your family history with your grandchildren, including:

1. Start with Your Own Journey
2. Gather Family History Artifacts
3. Create a Family Tree
4. Record Oral Histories
5. Visit Ancestral Places
6. Preserve Traditions and Recipes
7. Embrace Family History Technology

GENEALOGY ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY AT HOME

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, a relaxing day at home is a great time to focus on researching the ancestors that have come before us. Learning about their lives and the struggles they endured can provide perspective, hope, and appreciation for the journey-takers that helped write the pages of our own story.

In this article, we’ll walk you through family history activities to try from home, including:

1. Find your grandparents in census records
2. Start a family history book or scrapbook
3. Take a DNA test
4. Learn the language of your ancestors
5. Cook a dish from an ancestral land
6. Dive into online court records
7. Record your own life story
8. Scan and organize old family photos
9. Audit your family tree
10. …and more!

8 WAYS TO CELEBRATE FAMILY HISTORY MONTH

After you have discovered and embraced the heritage given to you from your ancestors, you may wish to share this excitement with others – especially your children and grandchildren – in the hopes that they will cherish their heritage as much as you do. With that goal in mind, especially since this whole month has been designated to celebrate Family History, the following are eight fun ways to help the rising generation embrace and appreciate their heritage:

1. Use social media
2. Plan an interactive family history field trip
3. Play ancestral monopoly
4. Take a tour of a FamilySearch Discovery Center
5. Join a genealogy society
6. Craft a Christmas ornament
7. Make an ancestral scrapbook
8. Cook a meal

5 TIPS FOR DECIPHERING OLD HANDWRITING

One of the hot topics of debate among parents and educators these days is whether it is necessary for today’s computer-age students to learn cursive handwriting. Given the time investment required, is it important enough to continue to be taught in our public schools? If professional genealogists and historians were to weigh in on the subject, we would vote with a resounding Yes! 

Historical documents that are fundamental to our nation’s history and laws, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were written in cursive. And what about handwritten letters from grandpa sent home from the war, or great-grandma’s gingersnap cookie recipe, to say nothing of actual genealogical research in original documents?

Read more for tips on how to decipher your family’s letters and documents.

We hope you find many ways to enjoy Family History Month with your family. Genealogy is a priceless gift and experience that will last for generations.

If you’d like help with your family history genealogy project, contact us today to get a free quote!