Confused by two Family History months? there is one in July and another in October. Here, we’ll explain the differences between the two months and dive in deeper to what you can do in July. During July, Family History Month is best known for localized, in-person programming, like Tulsa City-County workshops. October on the other hand, is a nationwide observance, officially proclaimed by Congress and supported by genealogical organizations, focusing on heritage preservation and storytelling.

Genealogy on the Go: Making Family History Part of Your Summer Plans

You might ask yourself, what are some activities I can do during this month? And July is perfect for the following ideas.  Whether you’re traveling across the country or staying close to home, summer offers countless ways to make genealogy part of your everyday life, without feeling like a research project.

1. Visit a Place of Family Significance Going near a town where your ancestors once lived? Take a small detour to visit a cemetery, old family home, or local courthouse. Snap photos, jot down notes, and soak in the atmosphere, you’re literally walking in their footsteps.
2. Start a Reunion Memory Table If your family is gathering this month, set up a “memory table” with old photos, keepsakes, or a simple timeline. Invite others to add to it with names, dates, or fun stories. You might be surprised what others remember!
3. Digitize in the Shade Got a box of photos or old documents sitting in the closet? Summer afternoons are perfect for pulling up a chair, scanning a few items, and labeling them. Even ten minutes at a time adds up.  Why the shade?
4. Record a Quick Story Ask a relative to tell a favorite family story, maybe from their childhood or a memorable summer of their own. Record it with your phone (with permission), or jot down the key details. These little moments are treasures in disguise.
5. Map Your Family’s Journey Print a blank U.S. or world map and start marking places your ancestors lived, moved, or settled. It’s a fun visual way to trace your heritage, and great for involving kids or grandkids.

Genealogy doesn’t always have to be about documents and databases. Sometimes, it’s as simple as listening to a story, revisiting a place, or saving a photo from fading away. This July, consider making your family’s past part of your summer story.

Tips

Tip 1: Creating a Family Story Kit

Include simple prompts, such as:

• “Tell me about your childhood home.”
• “What do you remember about your grandparents?”
• What was your favorite summer activity as a child?
• What did your parents teach you that you still remember?
• Add tips on recording stories (by phone, notebook, or app like StoryCorps).

Tip 2: Resources for creating a map

Did you know there are other sources available for creating a family history map besides Ancestry? Below is a list of a few other sources. Let us know if you have more to offer!

• FamilySearch: Places Tool
• MyHeritage: Pedigree Map
• Family Tree Maker: Migration Map

Let us know if you use another tool. Written by: Deronda Moore