Date
Wednesday
Oct

October 1-31

Family History Month

Discover your roots and honor your ancestors this Family History Month - who knows what hidden family treasures you might find!

Yearly Date
October 1
Type
Month
Category
Cause

Introduction

Get ready to dig into your roots and discover the fascinating stories of your ancestors because October is Family History Month! This month-long celebration was established in 2001 to encourage people to explore and preserve their family history. It's a great opportunity to learn about your family's traditions, culture, and heritage, and connect with relatives both near and far. With technology making it easier than ever to research and document your family tree, there's no better time to dive into this enriching journey. So gather your loved ones and let's celebrate our unique family histories together!

Family History Month Timeline

1538
English Births, Deaths, Marriages Recorded
The Church of England began the practice of recording baptisms, marriages, and burials, laying a foundation for modern genealogy.
1790
First U.S. Census
The United States conducts its first Census, providing future generations a wealth of family history information.
1831
New England Historic Association Founded
The New England Historic Genealogical Society, the oldest genealogical society in the United States, was established.
1996
Online Genealogy Boom
Genealogical websites like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org launched on the internet, revolutionizing family history research.
2001
Family History Month Established
U.S. Congress passed a resolution officially declaring October as Family History Month, encouraging the exploration and preservation of family history.
2007
DNA Testing Revolution
Introduction of commercial DNA tests for genealogy made it easier for people to track their family roots and discover unknown relatives.

How to Celebrate Family History Month

1

Create a family tree

Gather information from relatives and use online resources to create a detailed family tree. This is a great way to learn about your ancestors and their stories.

2

Host a family history movie night

Choose a historical movie that relates to your family's heritage and organize a movie night with your loved ones. This can spark conversations and bring new insights into your family's past.

3

Plan a trip to your ancestral homeland

If possible, plan a trip to the country or city where your ancestors originated from. This can be a meaningful and educational experience for the whole family.

4

Cook traditional family recipes

Gather old family recipes and cook them with your relatives. This is a great way to connect with your heritage and preserve family traditions.

5

Create a family history scrapbook

Gather old photos, documents, and mementos and create a scrapbook that tells the story of your family's history. This is a great way to preserve memories and pass down information to future generations.

Why We Love Family History Month

A

It brings families together

Family history month is a time to gather with loved ones and learn more about your family's heritage. With activities like genealogy research, storytelling sessions, and family reunions, it's the perfect opportunity to bond and create new memories with your relatives.

B

It helps us understand our roots

Learning about our ancestors and where we come from can provide insight into who we are today. Family history month encourages us to delve deep into our background, helping us understand our family's values, traditions, and cultural identity.

C

It preserves our family legacy

By documenting and sharing stories of our ancestors, we can ensure that their memory lives on for future generations. Family history month celebrates the importance of preserving and passing down this legacy to honor those who came before us.

Family History Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Sep 30
Saturday
2024
Sep 30
Monday
2025
Sep 30
Tuesday
2026
Sep 30
Wednesday
2027
Sep 30
Thursday