Category: Family History

Tips to Start Researching Your Family History in 2025

Is one of your resolutions to learn about your family history? Starting your genealogy research can be exciting and rewarding! Are you searching for tips to help you get started? Consider the following ideas to start your family history.

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1. Start with What You Know

  • Write Down Your Family Information: Use a spiral or composition notebook to write down your family information. Begin with yourself and work backward. Record full names, birth dates, places, marriages, and deaths.
  • Interview: Talk to parents, grandparents, and relatives to gather stories, documents, and photos.
  • Respect Privacy: Ensure your family that you will protect their privacy. Do not put sensitive information on the Internet.

2. Organize Your Information

  • Charts: Use charts to track relationships and dates. You can create charts with poster boards or genealogy software. There is no right or wrong way to keep your information.
  • Keep records: Organize your documents, photos, and notes in folders (physical or digital).
  • Family Binders: Create family binders to organize each branch of your family tree. Three-ring binders with clear plastic sleeves are a fantastic way to organize your records.

3. Look for Family Documents

  • Official Documents: Search for birth certificates, military records, marriage licenses, and obituaries.
  • Other Documentation: Check family Bibles, letters, scrapbooks, and journals for other valuable information.

4. Use Free Online Resources

  • FamilySearch.org: The site is a free resource with global records.
  • FindAGrave.com: The site lists cemetery records and headstone photos.
  • Cyndi’s List: A comprehensive categorized index of genealogy websites to help your search.

5. Explore Census Records

Census records (especially in the U.S. and U.K.) provide valuable data like names, ages, occupations, and residences. Start with the most recent available census and work backward.

6. Visit Local Libraries and Archives

  • Local Library: Go to your local library for research. Many public libraries have genealogy sections. Librarians are a fantastic resource to aid in your search.
  • Courthouses: Clerks at your county courthouse can help you find public documents to aid in your search. Depending on the courthouse, research may only occur on certain days and hours. Check the website before visiting. The research generally requires a fee.
  • Churches: Consult your local pastor or priest. Churches with a long-standing history in the community can also hold valuable records. Many do research for free but donations are always appreciated.
  • Cemeteries: Do not be afraid to visit different local cemeteries to find information on your relatives.

7. DNA Testing

Consider DNA testing to discover genetic connections and uncover distant relatives. DNA testing is a wonderful way to learn more about your personal family history.

DNA testing does cost. But often, you discover unknown relatives and your point of origin.

8. Join Genealogy Groups

  • Facebook Genealogy Groups: Social media is a wonderful resource for genealogy. Many communities host Facebook groups for specific locations.
  • Local Genealogy Societies: Join a local genealogy society. For a small annual fee, the local groups can offer tips, resources, and assistance.

When researching your family history, remember to be patient and persistent. Some records may be missing or difficult to find. Keep searching and revisiting sources as more data becomes available.

10 Ways to Celebrate National Grandparents Day

Did you know that Sunday, September 10, 2023, is National Grandparents Day? What a perfect reason to spend time with the ones you love. If you are searching for inspiration on how to celebrate National Grandparents Day, check out the following ideas.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
  1. Host a Family Picnic: Organize a picnic with the rest of your family. Picnics are a great way to celebrate National Grandparents Day. Consider renting a pavilion at your local park. If you have the space, set up a picnic in your backyard. Invite your grandparents and other family members over for a day of outdoor fun and delicious food.
  2. Create a Memory Book: Create a memory book or scrapbook filled with photos, letters, and mementos. If you have children, ask them to contribute. Draw pictures or write personal letters to add to the memory book.
  3. Cook Together: Invite your grandparents over for the deal. Cook a meal or bake some treats together.
  4. Homemade Meal: Prepare a special lunch or dinner for your grandparents. Ask them and other family members to join you for a homemade meal.
  5. Learn Their Story: Invite your grandparents to share stories from their childhood or family history. Record these stories to incorporate into your own family history. Writing down the stories is not only a gift for you but also for future generations to cherish.
  6. Handmade Gifts: Create personalized, handmade gifts. Autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are coming up. Create themed crafts, artwork, or knitted items. Themed gifts are great for displaying around the holidays plus they show your love and appreciation.
  7. Movie Time: Invite or go to your grandparents’ house for a movie night. Pick some classic movies or TV shows that your grandparents enjoy. Make treats or order from your favorite take-out menu. Sit back and have a cozy movie night together.
  8. Visit Their Favorite Place: Take a trip to a place your grandparents love. Go to a museum, a park, a beach, a nature area, an art gallery, or a local landmark. Or attend church services with them.
  9. Volunteer Together: Participate in a volunteer activity with your grandparents. Give your time to a local charity, bake goodies for an upcoming church bake sale, or organize a neighborhood cleanup.
  10. Phone Call: Just call your grandparents and wish them a great day. Often, a phone call is the perfect gift.

Remember that the most meaningful Grandparents Day celebration is you. Spend time with your grandparents. Small gestures make them feel cherished on Grandparents Day, and you get a lasting memory.

25 Thanksgiving Journal Writing Prompts

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and look to the future. A journal is a great way to preserve memories, explore feelings, and be creative. If you need help on writing about Thanksgiving, check out the following prompts for inspiration.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Journal Writing Prompts for Thanksgiving

  1. Make a list of 10 things that you are grateful this Thanksgiving. (Yes, there is 10!)
  2. How do you show gratitude or thankfulness to people in your life?
  3. What are you and your family doing this year for Thanksgiving?
  4. Are you hosting a Thanksgiving? Or traveling? Describe your plans.
  5. If cooking, what type of meal do you plan to make for Thanksgiving? Traditional? Or something unique? Why did you pick this type of menu plan?
  6. What is a traditional Thanksgiving dish that will not be on your dinner table? Why?
  7. Who are you planning to invite to your Thanksgiving meal?
  8. Are you using an old family recipe? Why is this dish so important to you?
  9. What Thanksgiving tradition do you plan to start this year?
  10. Why are Thanksgiving traditions do important to you?
  11. If you could invite anyone to Thanksgiving, who would be at your dinner table? Why did you pick this person?
  12. When you were a child, did your family host big Thanksgiving dinners? Describe a typical Thanksgiving from your childhood?
  13. Do you still incorporate things from your childhood into your own Thanksgiving? What do you do?
  14. What was your favorite part of Thanksgiving as a child?
  15. What is your earliest memory of Thanksgiving?
  16. Are you planning to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving? Why or why not?
  17. What was your best Thanksgiving ever? Why did this holiday stick out over the others?
  18. Write about your first Thanksgiving as a couple.
  19. Write about your first Thanksgiving as a family. (Yes, your cat counts as family)
  20. Have you ever been to restaurant on Thanksgiving? Describe your experience.
  21. Did you ever march or attend a Thanksgiving parade? Describe your experience.
  22. Describe how your kitchen smells when cooking or baking on Thanksgiving?
  23. How would you describe your Thanksgiving celebrations to someone from another country?
  24. Do you watch the Thanksgiving parade? What is your favorite part? Why?
  25. Do you believe Thanksgiving should receive more recognition as a holiday? Why?

Happy Thanksgiving! Keep writing!

October: Family History Month

Did you know all of October is Family History Month? As the weather turns colder, finding indoor activities is essential. Chilly autumn days are excellent for learning about your family history. Asking questions is one of the best ways to learn about your family. Visit or call your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, or other elder family members. Remember either record or have a pen and paper ready to take lots of notes.

Do you need help with the type of questions to ask? Go beyond simple dates and locations. Ask about family stories too. Check out the following areas for inspiration for finding out about your family.

Marriage

  • How did you meet?
  • How did Grandpa (or other elder relatives) purpose?
  • What was your maiden name?
  • Do you know how your parents or grandparents first met?
  • What was your mother’s maiden name for both sides of your family?
  • Is there any story surrounding your proposal?
  • What was your wedding day like?
  • Did you have a big wedding?
  • Where did you get married?

Family

  • How many brothers and sisters did, or do you have?
  • Tell me about them.
  • How many aunts and uncles?
  • If you had lots of cousins, did you stay in touch with them?
  • Did you have family reunions?
  • What was your family gathers like?

Childhood

  • What is your favorite childhood memory?
  • Describe an average day from your childhood.
  • Where were you born?
  • Where did you grow up?
  • Did you move around a lot or stay in one location?
  • Do you know where your parents grew up?

School

  • Where did you attend grade school? Junior high? High school?
  • Did you like school?
  • Did you attend college, vocational, or a trade school?
  • What was your favorite subject in school?

Religion

  • What was your religious upbringing?
  • Did you go to church regularly?
  • Where did you go to church?

Occupations

  • What was your first job?
  • Do you remember how much you made an hour?
  • How many different jobs did you have over the years?
  • What was your favorite one?
  • What was your parents’ occupation?

Military

  • Did you serve in the military?
  • What branch?
  • How long did you serve?
  • Were you ever in a war zone or other conflict?
  • Where did you attend boot camp?
  • Were you drafted?
  • Do you know any other family members who served in the military?
  • Describe a typical day for you in the military.

The more questions you ask, the better understanding you will have of your family history. Enjoy your time with older relatives. Their knowledge will be lost once they are gone.

31 Journal Writing Prompts for December

December focuses on the holiday season. Christmas decorations, parties, dinners, and other activities quickly fill your schedule. Taking the time to write in your journal is good for you. Do you need some inspiration? Check out the following journal writing prompts.

December Journal Writing 

  1. What do you plan to accomplish today? This week? This month? Go into details to help you plan and organize your December activities.
  2. What does the holiday season mean to you? Do you decorate for Christmas?
  3. What are you looking forward to the most during the holiday season?
  4. What is your favorite childhood memory of Christmas?
  5. What family traditions from your childhood do you incorporate into your Christmas celebrations?
  6. What do you miss the most from your childhood at Christmas time?
  7. What was your favorite Christmas gift? Why was this gift so important to you?
  8. How do you plan to celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve? What type of planning do you need to do to accomplish your activities?
  9. List 10 activities you would like to add to your family’s Christmas season celebrations?
  10. List 5 community activities you would like to add to your Christmas season celebrations?
  11. What is the best part of the holiday season for you? For your family? Why?
  12. What is the worst part of the holiday season? Why?
  13. What Christmas craft would you like to try?
  14. What new recipe would you like to attempt?
  15. What is your favorite holiday recipe of all time? Why does this recipe mean so much to you?
  16. What was the best part of your day? Why?
  17. What are your five favorite Christmas movies? What one is your all-time favorite? Why?
  18. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?
  19. Today is National Hard Candy Day. What is your favorite hard candy flavor? Why? Have you ever tried to make homemade rock candy? Describe the experience.
  20. Only four days to Christmas Eve and five days to Christmas Day? What do you still need to do? Write out lists to help you achieve your goals.
  21. Today is the Winter Solstice. Describe the current weather outside, go into great detail, write a poem or a short story about the changing season.  Are you planning to do anything special for the Winter Solstice?
  22. The Sunday before Christmas Did you attend church? Did you attend an early Christmas dinner? Write about your day. What was your favorite part?
  23. Are there any last-minute preparations that you need to do before Christmas?
  24. Christmas Eve, what was the best part of the day?
  25. Merry Christmas! Write about your day. Did everything go as planned? How was your dinner? Did you have guests? Or a quiet day? What was the best part of the day? What was your children’s favorite part?
  26.  Are you having a party for New Year’s Eve? What do you need to do to prepare?
  27. What is your favorite New Year’s Eve memory? Why?
  28. What was your favorite personal memory of 2019? Write why the event was so important?
  29. What was your favorite family memory of 2019? Ask your children to tell or write about their favorite part of 2019.
  30. Did you accomplish all of your 2019 goals? What are you looking forward to trying in 2020?
  31. New Year’s Eve, what are your plans? Did you set any New Year resolutions for yourself? Your family?

Ancestor Appreciation Day

Today, September 27th is the unofficial holiday of Ancestor Appreciation Day. How much information do you know about your mother or father’s ancestors? Do you know where your family originated? Are you curious about the stories passed down over the years? Ancestor Appreciation Day is about honoring those who came before you. Celebrating and learning about your heritage is a great way to celebrate the day.

Hang Up Photographs

Do you have older photos of your grandparents or great grandparents? Are they in a drawer or on the computer? Find a space to hang up pictures of your ancestors.

Start a Family Tree

Make a commitment to yourself to learn more about your family. Starting a family tree is the perfect place to begin. Many websites will allow you to start a tree for free. If you do not want to use a website, go old school. Grab some poster boards and markers.

  • Always begin with the information that you already know to be factual.
  • Add photos.
  • Include stories about your family.
  • Backup your findings with proven resources.

Creating a family tree is a beautiful way to learn about your heritage. Once you get started, you may be surprised where the information takes you. Enjoy the journey.

Flossie Haynes working on hospital rotation in Detroit around 1917.

Visit an Elderly Relative

Older relatives are a wealth of information. Visting a relative for an afternoon may result in lots of information about your family. Take a notebook along or a recorder to save the stories.

Food 

Believe it or not, food is a great way to connect to your heritage. Consider making a favorite family dish. If you do not have a family recipe, try a dish associated with your culture. Trying something new is an exciting way to share your heritage with your family or friends.

Finding small ways to honor your ancestors is perfect for celebrating Ancestor Appreciation Day.

Memorial Day Weekend Ideas

The last Monday in May honors men and women who have died during their service in the United States military. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday. Observing the holiday is different for everyone. Many families attend community events, host BBQs, go on a road trip or simply stay home for the extended weekend.

If you need ideas for the weekend, consider the following:

  • Go to a Memorial Day Parade: Many communities hold a wide variety of Memorial Day events. A parade is generally a fixture of the scheduled activities.
  • Moment of Silence or Prayer: Another activity generally involves the United States flag raising ceremony. Depending on the sponsorship of the event, the activity may hold a moment of silence for the fallen or a prayer.
  • Attend a Community Concert: Many communities will sponsor free outdoor concerts with a patriotic theme. Gather your family or ask your friends, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy the music.
  • Attend a Fireworks Show: Another popular community event is a fireworks show. Enjoy the fireworks display with your friends and family members.
  • Go to a National or State Park: With over 50 National Parks and ten thousand state parks, getting outdoors to view the beautiful scenery is a must. Check your state to find the one closest to your location and go.
  • Volunteer: Volunteering is always a self-rewarding activity. For example, many organizations place flags on the headstones of military members. The process is simple to carry out. The activity provides you with a chance to remember the meaning of Memorial Day.
  • Learn Your Family’s Military History: Search your family’s history. Finding information about family members who served is a rewarding experience.
  • Host a BBQ: Gather your family or friends for a BBQ at your home, park, lake or other areas of interest. When serving, take a moment to toast those who have fallen in service.
  • Be Thankful: Whether you chose to travel, attend events, or stay home, be thankful for your choice.

Celebrating Memorial Day is a great way to enjoy the company of your family or friends. The Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off summer. Celebrate, remember, and appreciate the weekend.

 

Genealogy Series: Tips for Researching Your Family Tree

Researching your family tree is a fun, exciting hobby that can instantly turn into an addiction. As you begin your search, the photos, stories and historical data become threads. When woven together, you will discover the very fabric of your roots. So, how do you begin? Well, you may not like the answer: you simply just need to start.

Tips for Researching Your Family Tree

1. Get Organized

Researching requires note-taking and gathering data. Setting up a small space to gather your research is one of the best ways of staying organized.

  • File cabinet
  • Folders and binders
  • Plastic holders to keep clippings and photos safe
  • Computer, printer and the Internet
  • Printing paper
  • USB’s or backup discs

Depending on your organization preferences, you may also want to purchase colored pens, markers, and highlighters.

2. Just Start

After gathering your basic organization materials, just start. Yes, there’s the simple advice again. Start with the information you already know about your family history. Begin by building your family tree online or simply start making notes. Gather any relatable materials already in your possession.

  • Family photographs
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Birth certificates
  • Family Bible
  • Letters
  • Invites, thank you notes, or other saved material
  • Diaries or journals

The smallest piece of information may provide larger search details in the future.

3. Start Asking Questions

Asking questions prior to loved ones passing is crucial for gathering firsthand information. Begin by asking parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles about your family history.

  • Who? Ask who your ancestors are?
  • Where? Ask where did they originate? Where did they live?
  • When? Ask for any dates that may help with your search.
  • How? Ask how your ancestors came to live in a specific area?

Go beyond asking about the facts, ask about the memories. Writing out short stories about your ancestors is a great addition to your family tree.

4. Use the Internet

Using proper documentation techniques, the Internet can be a wonderful resource tool. Some sites are only available with payment. Others are free to browse. Backing up the sources should be part of the search to verify the data is correct.

5. Join Local Genealogical and Historical Societies

Contact your local genealogical and historical society for help. Many organizations will help you without charge. Over time, you may want to join the organization to learn about other researching techniques. Many societies have weekly or monthly meetings. Others go on trips to local cemeteries or other historical sites. One of the greatest aspects about joining a genealogical group is each member understands your quest for knowledge. Often a fellow genealogy buff will know how to research a subject area, helping you further your research.

Genealogy research is both fun and frustrating. However, over time the journey may bring you closer to your family roots.

 

Genealogy Series: Ideas for Writing Your Personal History

Writing your personal history is a great addition to your genealogy research. Your personal story will intertwine with the rest of your family’s history. As your own author, the subject matter is endless. If you need ideas for writing your personal history, consider the following areas for inspiration.

Names

  • Are you named after someone in your family? Who? Why?
  • Do you know the meaning or story behind your name?
  • Did you name any of your children after a family member? Who? Why?
  • Do you have a nickname?
  • How did you get the nickname?

Birthdates

  • When and where were you born?
  • Is there a story about your birth?
  • When and where were your children born?
  • Share your experience about their birth.

Significant Other

  • What is your current relationship status?
  • Are you married?
  • How did you meet your partner?
  • Describe your first date.
  • Describe your wedding.
  • What is your favorite moment with your significant other?

Parents

  • Where were your parent born?
  • How did they meet?
  • Favorite memory of your parents from your childhood?
  • What did your parents teach you?
  • Write any other information you would like to share about your parents.
  • Describe yourself as a parent? (or a pet parent)

Childhood

  • Describe your childhood home? Did you move around a lot? Did you grow up in the city or country?
  • Do you have siblings? How many?
  • Are you close to your siblings?
  • What was your favorite activity as a child?
  • Who were your childhood friends? Do you still keep in touch?
  • Did you like school?
  • Describe your holidays as a child.
  • What family traditions do you still carry on with your own family?
  • Describe your children at this moment in time.

Extended Family

  • Write about your grandparents include names, dates, and other important information.
  • Write about your aunts and uncles. Did you have a favorite?
  • Write about your cousins and other family members.
  • Were there people in your life that you considered family who was not related?
  • Did you spend a lot of time with your extended family?
  • Do your children spend time with extended family?

Every piece of information provides insight into your life. Remember when writing to keep your personal and families’ information private. Always be careful about publishing information online. Keep a journal. Using lined notebook paper is an easy way to continuously add information photos and other material to a 3-ring binder. Do not forget to have fun when writing your personal history.

 

6 Ways to Celebrate Family History Month

Time to celebrate your family roots, October is Family History Month. The month is perfect for exploring your family’s personal history. As a new researcher or an avid family historian, focusing on your family history may result in a fun surprise.

Ways to Celebrate Family History Month

Consider the following ideas to help you celebrate Family History Month. The activities may bring knowledge and a fun-filled afternoon.

1. Create a Family Tree

Creating a family tree is a perfect way to celebrate Family History Month. Branching out over many generations, a family tree shows the uniqueness of your origin. As you begin your tree, the option for saving the material depends on you. Websites and computer programs are popular choices. But, you can also go “old school”. Using poster boards, markers, highlighters, labels, and a little creativity, personalizes the family tree.

2. Visit Relatives

Older relatives often have first-hand experience to the family history. Grab a notebook or recording device. Spend an afternoon discussing your family’s roots. The information may surprise you. As an added bonus, you get to enjoy your grandparents, great aunts or other older relatives’ time.

3. Go Social

If you are a user a Facebook, create a group for your research. Invite family members to share stories or research information. A group effort may bring larger amounts of data to help in creating the family tree. Keeping your family history private, Facebook settings allow groups to be closed or secret. As a moderator, you will be able to pick who can and cannot be part of your group.

4. Research Your Geographical Area of Origin

When you begin putting your family history together, research the areas. Use the Internet to discover local culture, town history, and even the weather. The information provides a general overview of daily life. If you are able, visit the location. Take photos of landmarks, cemetery sites, old buildings, or other related scenery.

5. Celebrate the Culture

Learning the different countries or areas of your family origin is a chance to celebrate the culture.

  • Fairs and Festival: Many communities celebrate early settlers by sponsoring large fairs or festivals. Take the time to attend. Most community events are free or charge minimal costs which are perfect for a family adventure.
  • Try a New Recipe: A simple way to celebrate your culture is food. Go online to research different food from your country of origin. Try a new recipe. Or if you are not an expert in the kitchen, find a restaurant that serves your country’s cuisine.
  • Join a Group: Local genealogical societies or other community groups often sponsor field trips, workshops, or conferences. Offering a wide range of subject manner, you may be able to learn about early settlers, culture, and other historical dates.

6. Your History

When most people think of family history, past generations is generally the first thought. Family history is your personal story too.

  • Family Scrapbook: Create a scrapbook about you and your family. Include photos of your first date, wedding, baby pictures, and other memories. The scrapbook may eventually become a family treasure.
  • Family Journal: Spiral notebooks, Composition books, or a leather-bound journal are a great way to preserve your family’s history. Take time to write in the journal. Plan writing sessions for once a day or week. Filling up the pages of small daily activities may be a great reminder of days gone past.
  • Video Blog: If you are tech-savvy, create video blogs of your family’s daily routines or special occasions.

Families come in all varieties from every corner of the globe. Celebrating Family History Month is a great way to learn about your own roots. Take time to celebrate life’s little moments. In the future, the little moments may be a treasured memory.