October is Family History Month!
Family History Month was established on 26 September 2001 (just 2 ½ weeks after the awful events of 9/11) through a resolution by the U.S. Senate, spearheaded by Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, designating October as the original observance. The idea was promoted by genealogical societies, libraries, and family history organizations who recognized the need for a public observance that highlights the importance of heritage. The bill is short, and can be read on Congress.gov. It includes reasons why Family History is so important to citizens of the United States of America, including:
“Whereas approximately 60 percent of Americans have expressed an interest in tracing their family history; Whereas the study of family history gives individuals a sense of their heritage and a sense of responsibility in carrying out a legacy that their ancestors began; Whereas as individuals learn about their ancestors who worked so hard and sacrificed so much, their commitment to honor their ancestors’ memory by doing good is increased…”
The purpose of Family History Month is straightforward but profound: to encourage Americans to explore their personal and collective histories. While the month often inspires people to dive into genealogical records or DNA testing kits, it also emphasizes something much simpler: talking to relatives, preserving traditions, and creating narratives that help us understand who we are. For genealogists – both seasoned professionals and beginners – this month serves as a reminder that our personal and family histories are worth exploring and safeguarding.
It can be easy to get overwhelmed with the idea of perfectly preserving your personal history, let alone that of your entire ancestral tree! Instead, think of family history as a quilt: each memory, document, or story is a patch, stitched together into something greater than the sum of its parts. You don’t have to do it all, and collaboration brings many blessings!
Here are some practical ways families and individuals can engage this October:
1. Conduct Oral Histories: Ask relatives questions and record their responses. Simple questions like “What was your first job?” or “What traditions did your parents keep?” can uncover valuable memories. When I was in college, I interviewed my grandfather for a school project. He was in his 90s at the time. That interview, which has since been transcribed and shared, is a treasure to our entire family! The process does not need to professional or complicated, but it helps to read some TIPS before you start.
2. Organize Photographs: Label family photos while those who remember the details are still with us. Have a picture for an ancestor that you can’t identify? Have you tried Ancestry’s “Recognize Ancestors” or “Search by Face” tool? This facial recognition feature helps you find photos of the same person across different family trees on the platform. Upload the picture to the Gallery, then click on the Face Match tool on the right sidebar to get started.
3. Build or Update a Family Tree: Use tools like FamilySearch, Ancestry, or MyHeritage to document relatives. Need help building your tree on FamilySearch, Ancestry, or MyHeritage? See our blog Making the Most of Record Hints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an agreement with some subscription websites (Ancestry, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, and more), allowing their members to get free access!
4. Explore Archives: More than 80% of U.S. public libraries now provide access to online genealogy databases such as Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest, making October a great month to stop by your local library. FamilySearch is always free, you just need to create a free account. Many libraries and genealogical societies host October workshops. Check your local library website – and if they don’t offer any classes, offer to host one!
5. Share Creatively: Make a scrapbook, family recipe collection, or digital slideshow to share with relatives. Consider posting family photographs on the Memories section of a relative on FamilySearch.org. I typed up, printed, and bound the journals of a beloved family member who passed away in his twenties, and shared it with the family. My sister made me a cookbook of favorite recipes, including family heirloom recipes, when I got married. Christmas is coming – can you share some family history in the gifts you give your loved ones?
6. Involve Children: Encourage them to interview grandparents, map ancestors’ migrations, or create artwork inspired by family stories. You can also create games out of family memories, such as Monopoly or Go Fish (Go Ancestor!). Have you seen all the fun activities available for children, teens, and adults under Family History Activities on FamilySearch? You can discover famous relatives, see a map of where all your relatives were from, and compare your face to your relatives’ face to see whom you most resemble. Here’s me with my grandma!
7. Explore your DNA: Not all families are biologically related, and that’s just fine! My grandma was adopted and we consider her adopted family as bonafide members of our family tree. But maybe you don’t know much, or even anything, about your biological ancestors and you’d like to learn more. DNA testing, when paired with professional analysis from DNA experts, can often help you uncover those elusive family stories and pedigrees that have been lost to the past. It is important to understand that this field of study can have complex emotional elements and may not be for everyone. Read more about how we use DNA to solve cases of unknown parentage with one of our latest blogs.
8. Visit a cemetery: Did you know you can search for a specific cemetery on FamilySearch, and it will show you all your known relatives that are buried there?! It’s so fun! Go to FamilySearch.org (make sure to log in) > Search > Cemeteries > Fill in the Location > Chose your cemetery > Enjoy the Results! Consider cleaning a relative’s headstone if it is falling into dis-repair. First read the Dos and Don’ts to headstone preservation.
7. Consider Professional Help: Some families hire genealogists in October to resolve mysteries or create polished family history books in time for the holidays. Price Genealogy will be celebrating our 50th anniversary this coming year! We are experienced at helping our clients find ancestors from all over the world. Fill out the Free Consultation below to get started today!
The ways you can celebrate your family heritage are endless. Pick one thing you and your loved ones can do this month to connect more with your ancestors or to share your own personal history. Consider sharing your experience on social media, and tag @PriceGenealogy!
Emily
Photos:
- Unsplash, with permission, published 13 Sep 2022 (https://unsplash.com/photos/happy-little-girls-with-a-grandmother-picking-up-leaves-and-putting-them-in-bucket-in-garden-in-autumn-sPIi3L5l6Lo).
- Unsplash, with permission, published 20 Apr 2023 (https://unsplash.com/photos/a-senior-father-with-wheelchair-and-his-son-on-walk-in-nature-talking-t8kyiHrDDNs).
- FamilySearch, Compare-a-Face Tool (https://www.familysearch.org/en/discovery/compareme/)
- Richard W Price and clients, in possession of PriceGenealogy.