Family History Month is observed this month providing a perfect opportunity to reflect on and appreciate our family lineage and learn more about family members we may have never known, heard about, rarely see and/or interact with. I recently took a close look at the 1950 Census. It was interesting reviewing the Census questions and seeing the responses made by my kinfolk and their neighbors. There were the usual questions regarding age and marital status. And then there were the queries related to work: What was this person doing most of last week; Did this person do any work at all last week; Was this person looking for work; Even though he didn’t work last week, does he have a job or business; How many hours did he work last week; and What kind of work was he doing?

Looking at my mother’s info I discovered that she was working as a typist for a real estate establishment, her sister was a trimmer for a knitting mill, and her sister’s husband was a cab driver. All three were working 40 hours a week. When I read that my aunt was born in New York I realized I have some more digging to do because I thought my mom and her siblings were all born in Philadelphia, PA.

The Census is only one vehicle to use to research and gain knowledge about your family members. Genealogy Quick Start (GQS) is another place to go to get research information, hints and tips. With GQS you can find new techniques to break through brick walls, and discover the fun and creativity involved in uncovering your past.

Take some time this month to dig deeper into your family’s genealogy. And don’t forget to share what you learn with family members at the next reunion (or before). After all, some news is just too good to hold on to.

Looking for something to do with the family this month?  October boasts Family History Month, Positive Attitude Month, and Photographer Appreciation Month, along with Evaluate Your Life Day, Smart is Cool Day, Do Something Nice Day, You Matter to Me Day, Make a Difference Day, Get Smart About Credit Day, Kids Music Day, Train Your Brain Day, Halloween, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and so much more.

Family Days to celebrate this month include: Filipino American Heritage Month,  Hispanic Heritage Month (began 9/15 ends 10/15), Italian-American Heritage Month, Polish-American Heritage Month, German-American Day, Mother-in Law Day, Child Health Day, Take Your Parents to Lunch Day, and Eat Better, Eat Together Month. And don’t forget your family members birthdays, anniversaries, and other familial special occasions.

CLICK HERE for our list of fun days to turn into great family time this month. 

“There are so many stories that are buried on family trees.” 

– Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

“To forget one’s ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root “  - Chinese Proverb

“The thing that interests me most about family history is the gap between the things we think we know about our families and the realities."  - Jeremy Hardy

"In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage - to know who we are and where we came from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning."  - Alex Haley, Roots

"We are links between the ages, containing past and present expectations, sacred memories and future promise."  - Edward Sellner

“Don’t let the busy world of today keep you from showing how much you love and appreciate your family.”  - Josiah

“My goal is to get everybody in America to do their family tree.” 

- Henry Louis Gates, Jr.