In light of Family History Month, we’d like to take some time to highlight all the amazing ways WNPL can help you to discover, preserve, and embrace your family history.
Deep dive into some genealogy research.
Ancestry Plus is available on our library computers and can be used to help find different types of records that can help piece together your genealogy search.
Additionally, these materials can also help you along the way of your genealogical journey.
Family Tree Magazine
“Learn how to build your family tree with genealogy tips, free charts and forms, what to do with DNA tests, family history projects and more!”
History for Genealogists: Using Chronological Time Lines to Find and Understand Your Ancestors by Judy Jacobson
“History lays the foundation to understand a group of people. Genealogy lays the foundation to understand a person or family using tangible historic evidence”
Family Photo Detective: Learn how to find genealogy clues in old photos and solve family photo mysteries by Maureen A. Taylor
“Historical family photos offer a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors, but the images–and the stories behind them–often fade away as decades pass. Taylor shows you how to study the clues in your old family photos to put names to faces and recapture their lost stories.”
Create a family archive.
A family archive can be used to store, organize, and preserve photos, letters, and other keepsakes that have been passed down or that you are hoping to pass down in the future. Check out our new makerspace for projects that can assist you in this endeavor.
These book materials can help get you started with your personal archives:
How to Archive Family Keepsakes: Learn how to preserve family photos, memorabilia & genealogy records by Denise May Levenick
“A guide to organizing and preserving family photographs, papers, and other heirlooms, discussing what to keep, what to donate, and how to digitize family records.”
Creating your Family Heritage Scrapbook: From Ancestors to Grandchildren, Your Complete Resource & Idea Book for Creating a Treasured Heirloom by Maria Given Nerius & Bill Gardner
“The art of heritage scrapbooking is a unique means of sharing cherished family memories with current and future generations. With a little bit of know-how and research, you can create a stunning keepsake of your family’s history and heritage—simply, affordably, and regardless of your artistic ability.” – Description from Amazon
Get the whole family involved.
Family History Month can be celebrated by even the youngest members of your family. Here are a few book suggestions that embody the importance of familial connection that can be enjoyed by all.
My Family Tree and Me by Dušan Petričić
“This one-of-a-kind picture book provides a beautifully simple introduction to the concept of family ancestry. It uses two stories in one to explore a small boy’s family tree: the boy tells the family story of his father’s side starting from the front of the book, and that of his mother’s side starting from the back of the book. Four previous generations are introduced for each, from his great-great-grandparents to his parents. The grand finale in the center of the book reveals the boy’s entire extended family, shown in one drawing with all the members from both sides identified by their relationship to him”– Publisher.
Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson
“Stymied by her unfinished family tree assignment for school, a young girl seeks Grandma’s counsel and learns about her ancestors, the consequences of slavery, and the history of Black resistance in the United States.”
Guide to Genealogy by TJ Resler
“What does your family tree look like? Where do its roots lead? Are you related to royalty? Start your very own journey and find out with this activity-packed guide to genealogy! This lively guide will get you started on researching your family’s past and let you in on the newest and most up-to-date technology for genealogy research. Get tips on how to interview family members, create a family tree, and much more. Fun facts, lists, and sidebars offer additional tips and bring the dusty past to vivid life! National Geographic kids series.”–Publisher’s annotation.
Post written by Ceilidh Jimenez.