1. Create a Family Tree

One of the best ways to begin or update your genealogy research is by creating or expanding your family tree. You can use websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, or MyHeritage to build a digital family tree, or you can craft a physical version using old photographs and paper documents. This project not only helps organize your findings but can also serve as a treasured keepsake to pass down to future generations.

2. Interview Family Members

If you haven't yet, take the time this month to sit down with relatives and capture their stories. Ask older family members about their childhoods, family traditions, and the important events that shaped their lives. These conversations are often rich with details that you won't find in official records. Consider recording the interviews, whether via audio, video, or written transcripts, so these valuable insights are preserved for posterity.

3. Digitize Old Family Photos and Documents

Old photographs and documents can deteriorate over time, so take this month to preserve them by digitizing. You can scan photos, letters, birth certificates, and other documents to ensure they last for years to come. Once digitized, share copies with relatives and organize them in a cloud-based folder for easy access. Don't forget to label and date the images to keep everything organized and searchable!

4. Research Family Heirlooms

Do you have family heirlooms in your home? This could be anything from jewelry to furniture, quilts, or other treasured items. Family History Month is the perfect time to document the stories behind these heirlooms. Write down or record who owned them, how they were passed down, and any significant memories attached to them. This process not only preserves the history of the items but can help you discover more about your ancestors' lives.

5. Visit Ancestral Locations

If possible, plan a trip to locations that hold significance to your family history. Visiting ancestral homes, towns, or cemeteries can give you a deeper connection to your roots. You can also explore virtual tours or archives if traveling isn't an option. Use resources like Google Earth or online historical maps to visualize the places where your ancestors lived, worked, or attended important events.

6. Take a DNA Test

DNA testing is a fascinating way to enhance your genealogical research. Services like AncestryDNA or 23andMe provide genetic information that can reveal new branches of your family tree or confirm existing research. As you receive your results, you may uncover unexpected connections to distant relatives or discover new regions your ancestors came from.

7. Create a Family History Scrapbook or Memory Book

A creative project you can work on this month is assembling a family history scrapbook or memory book. Include stories, photos, documents, and memorabilia. You can dedicate pages to individual ancestors, special events, or significant milestones. These scrapbooks not only capture your family's history in a beautiful way but also allow future generations to feel connected to their roots.

8. Share Your Family History

What better way to celebrate Family History Month than by sharing your discoveries with others? You could host a virtual family reunion where you present your findings, create a family newsletter with updates, or contribute to a local historical society or genealogy club. Sharing your knowledge can inspire others in your family or community to start their own journey into genealogy.

9. Preserve Family Recipes

Family recipes often hold memories of shared meals and special occasions. Gather recipes passed down through generations, and create a family recipe book. Include notes about the origins of the dishes, the family members who used to make them, and any anecdotes related to the meals. This is a delicious way to connect with your heritage!

10. Participate in Online Genealogy Communities

Join online genealogy forums, Facebook groups, or attend virtual genealogy workshops to expand your research skills and network with fellow family historians. You might learn new techniques, discover resources you hadn’t considered, or even connect with distant cousins researching the same family lines.