Where We Come From:
Books and Activities to Help Capture Your Family History
by Dena McMurdie
As far as my kids are concerned, their grandparents popped into existence as white haired prunes with a cookie baking fetish. There’s nothing wrong with cookies, but there’s a lot of history behind those crazy, cheek-pinching folks. My kids should know that their great-grandfather fought in World War II, that my father was the first person in his family to go to college, and that my mother grew up in a tiny farmhouse with ten brothers and sisters … and 2,000 chickens.
Our ancestor’s stories are the prequels to our story. Knowing them helps my children appreciate who they are and where they come from. As we learn more about our family — both living and dead — we’re always surprised at the people we discover. We’ve found quiet heroes, murderers, and famous playwrights amongst our relatives. They’re the threads that weave together the fabric of our family’s story.
If you’re looking for ways to get your kids interested in learning about and participating in your family history, try these books and activities.
-
Me and My Family Tree
Take the mystery out of family relationships and teach kids how their relatives are connected to them. This picture book simplifies the family network and even has a blank family tree for kids to fill out.
-
My Family Tree and Me
This award-winning illustrator shows us the importance of ancestry with simple text and charming illustrations. A young boy describes his father's side of the family from the front of the book, then describes his mother's side from the back. They meet in the center of the book with the entire extended family on one page.
-
The Kids' Family Tree Book
This is a great book to get kids and their parents involved in family history. Find tips on using historical records, websites, and library information to piece together your ancestor's stories. Along with creative projects, you'll learn how to preserve what you find and connect with living relatives.
-
Creating Junior Genealogists: Tips and Activities for Family History Fun
As you learn your family history, you'll want to share it with your kids and encourage them to become the next generation of genealogists. Full of tips, ideas, and activities to do with your kids, this book is designed to make genealogy fun for the whole family.
-
Letters to Me, When I Grow Up
This keepsake book contains twelve prompted letters to your future self. Kids can write their letters, preserving a snapshot of their younger selves they can look back on as they grow up.
-
Letters to You
Write a letter to your child each year with the help of this hardcover book. With writing prompts and space for eighteen letters, you'll fill it up with memories, wishes, and aspirations for your child.
-
300 Questions to Ask Your Parents
The best time to learn about your parents is when they're still around. With 300 questions to ask your parents, you'll have plenty of ways to spark conversation and capture their history. Filling the book out together is a great way to grow closer and share some laughs.
-
My Dad: His Stories, His Words
If you're looking for a less daunting option that focuses on individual parents, try this book. There are also versions for Mom, Grandma, and Grandpa. These small books make great gifts and preserve memories to be handed down through generations.
Websites to Help You Discover Your Family History:
FamilySearch.org
Collect photos, memories, records, audio recordings, and your personal family tree all in one place. Use the locator tool to find a Family History Center where you can get free in-person help.
Ancestry.com
As the world’s largest online family history resource, you will find a treasure trove of information. Comb through documents, newspapers, and vital records to discover your ancestry and where you came from.
Family Tree Kids
For school projects, activities, and other ideas on how to get kids involved, visit Family Tree Kids.
What fun facts have you discovered about your family? Let us know in the comments below!