For those already bitten with the Family History bug life is
simple for the teacher or leader, but what happens when you are
asked to try to expose others to Family History? The task of
trying to interest non-participants can seem to be daunting.
If you wait for people to come to you as a Family History
resource, you'll probably be waiting for a very long time.
The first secret in getting others interested is to get the
support of the leaders of the group or organization. We all
have priorities we need to deal with: work, children's school
functions, city leagues, etc. The leaders of your religious or
civic organization must be involved and set Family History
higher on their priority list or other priorities tend to
take precedence.
The second secret in interesting others to get involved in
Family History is to SET A GOAL! This secret is critical to
success. If a goal is set for the whole organization, such as
finding one ancestor or completing a 4 generation pedigree chart
in a specific amount of time, the whole organization can work
together to achieve the goal. Not only will people help
each other in achieving the goal, they also become excited about
sharing their successes. The Family History consultant will
become a means to an end, not an end in itself. Tasks
will not be completed, or even attempted, until they are
accepted, written and agreed upon.
The third secret in interesting people in Family History is
to hit them with as many positive impressions as you can,
from as many different directions as you can. The following
is a list of the types of things you may want to try. But
remember, the main thing is not to be worried about specific
tasks, just do as many different things as you can manage.
The more positive impressions the people are exposed to,
the easier it is to break the ice with them and get them
more heavily involved. Remember, each person is at a
different stage in their lives. Some have the time and
interest at this point and some will later on. Make the
impression a good one this time, so later they will want
to get involved.
1) Ads (announcements) in your organization's bulletin or
newsletter.
2) Publish a special edition of the bulletin or newsletter
featuring Family History as the main topic.
3) Hold a Family History Fun Night. Have a broad smorgasbord
of Family topics to interest all ages of the families
involved.
a) Bean bag throw - topic, score one for your grandparent
b) Magnetic Fishing - topic, fishing for ancestors
c) Scrapbooking table - have experts in scrapbooks
demonstrate how to put one together,
d) Have a contest to see who can make the best custom
coat of arms, and reward the winner with a special
treat,
e) Bring in a computer and show how to use a particular
Family History software product, such as PAF, Ancestors
Family Tree Maker, etc.
f) Bring in some old articles of clothing, pictures, spinning
wheels, etc. for display purposes,
g) Create some crossword puzzles or circle-the-word puzzles
and see who can get the most words in a given period of
time (see www.LeeSysInfo.com/fun/FamilyPuzzlery.html) for
ideas,
h) Make small flags of many different nations to put on
tables as center pieces,
i) Make it a Pot-luck, have everyone bring in some food native
to the country their ancestors came from (tacos, bread pudding,
calamares, escargo, etc.)
4) Bring in outside experts. Have professional genealogists or
someone that has spent a lot of time in genealogy come and make
presentations to the group. Many genealogists are willing to
take time out to help others even without pay.
5) Set aside a night of the week to dedicate to helping the members
of your group seeking your help. If they know you will always
be available, it'll be easier to schedule them in. Also be
available to schedule for other times of the week in case
they can't schedule their time for that night of the week.
6) Take them on a tour of the nearest Family History library.
Family History libraries are popping up all over the world.
7) Get the kids involved. Religious organizations can dedicate
a couple of lessons in Sunday School for each of the age
groups. Scouts can have a Family History Merit Badge counselor
help the group earn the Family History Merit badge (or as
one of my sons say, the "tree watching merit badge"). Etc.
These are just some of the activities a Family History leader can
involve the group in, but they can make a large difference in
the success the group enjoys. Remember, you need to make Family
History enjoyable as well as enlightening.
Copyright © 2002, Dale Lee
About the Author:
Dale Lee is a computer consultant who has been
involved in Genealogy for over 12 years. For
information on how to publish your own Family
History or book manuscript, visit
LeeSysInfo.com.
