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Family History Month

Discover your roots and honor your ancestors this Family History Month - who knows what hidden family treasures you might find!
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When it is?
October 1
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Category
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Country
United States
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!

History of Family History Month

Family History Month Dates

Family History Month Timeline

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

How to Celebrate Family History Month

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a family tree</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a family history movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a trip to your ancestral homeland</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook traditional family recipes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather old family recipes and cook them with your relatives. This is a great way to connect with your heritage and preserve family traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a family history scrapbook</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Family History Month

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings families together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps us understand our roots</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It preserves our family legacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>

5 Intriguing Facts for Family History Month

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Surname Origins offer Cultural Insight</h3><p class='facts-content'>Surname origins can reveal information about your ancestors' jobs, social status, or geographic locations, providing valuable keys to unlock your family history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Current Traditions Originated in Ancestral Customs</h3><p class='facts-content'>Some widely practiced traditions, like holiday rituals or family sayings, have roots in ancestral customs and can inform you about your cultural heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Family Heirlooms Tell Stories of the Past</h3><p class='facts-content'>Physical objects handed down across generations like jewellery, furniture, or photographs can offer glimpses into your ancestors' lives.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Crests and Coats of Arms Bear Family History</h3><p class='facts-content'>In old times, crests or coats of arms were symbols designed to identify a family, highlighting their achievements and status. They can be a rich source of historical information.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diaries and Letters Create Personal Connections</h3><p class='facts-content'>Written records like diaries or letters from your ancestors can provide a deeply personal connection to your family's past.</p></div></div>

Family History Month FAQs

When is Family History Month?

Family History Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, Family History Month will occur on a Tuesday.

Family History Month Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Oct 1

Sunday

2024

Oct 1

Tuesday

2025

Oct 1

Wednesday

2026

Oct 1

Thursday

2027

Oct 1

Friday

Cause Holidays