By Barry J. Ewell
Collect and share family histories
By Barry J. Ewell
Preserve your family pictures
Try your hand at scanning family photos into your computer, or hire someone to do it for you, and then store the originals in acid-free photo boxes or albums. The same thing goes for the family movies!
Scan the family photos out of the shoeboxes or bags in the back of your closet; track down the photo you’ve never seen of your great-grandparents; or ask your Grandma to help you Continue reading
By Barry J. Ewell
Photograph project
Piles of Photos sitting around your house? Enlist a child this age to help sort and label them.
Letter writing
Often a part of high-school English assignments, encourage your child to write a letter to a relative asking about family history. Continue reading
By Barry J. Ewell
Take a genealogy class or seminar
Enroll with a son or daughter in genealogy and history classes or seminars offered at libraries, historical societies, and community colleges. You will both grow in your genealogical ability and your chats on the way to and from classes will be an added benefit. Continue reading
By Barry J. Ewell
Sharing family history is about gathering the personal stories that our families share between each other and from generation to generation. Here are some tips to actively seek out family stories and share your own through finding the opportunity to share them with others. Continue reading
By Barry J. Ewell
Games are a great way to teach and share family history without making it feel like a history lesson. Children can learn a tremendous amount through play.
Here are a few games families can create and play.
Family trivia game
This is a good activity for family gatherings because it can draw on many relatives’ memories and experiences. Brainstorm questions, focusing on close family members first: What is Dad’s favorite color? Which famous singer did Aunt Lucy write love letters to? Continue reading
By Barry J. Ewell
Meet and get to know your relatives
Take the opportunity to meet relatives. Often they provide important insight into the history and makeup of the family. For example: