Genealogy Is Fun!

Hi, kids! I'm Genmama

and I'm here to show you how to do a family tree project. Are you curious about who your ancestors were? Do you have a family member who loves to tell family stories? Even if you answered no to some of these questions you can still do a wonderful family tree. Are you ready? Let's get going!

1.SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED

1. Notebook
2. Pens or pencils
3. Crayons or markers
4. Envelopes and first class stamps
5. File box and files
6. A list of questions for your "relative interview"
7. Relatives to interview!
8. Tape recorder, microphone and blank tapes
9. Time, time, time!

From time to time, Genmama may use some words you may have heard before. Maybe you weren't quite sure you knew their meaning. Why don't you now visit Genmama's Terminology Page? You will find definitions for words used often in genealogy.

2.STEP ONE--WHERE TO START

The best place to start is with the one and only you! Open your notebook to the first page and write your name across the top in big letters using your favorite
C O L O R S!

Under your name write down your birthdate. This means the month, day and year you were born. Under that write your birthplace. This means the city or town, the county and the state you were born in.

Now it would be interesting to write down a couple of facts about yourself. Maybe something like you've visited 25 states or you've lived in the same town your whole life. Or it could be something like you love dogs or cats or horses. Or that you're a good artist.

3. STEP TWO--SETTING UP YOUR FILE BOX

Now it is time to set up your special file box. I recommend the cardboard kind that you can buy at the office supply store. While you are there, why don't you buy your file folders? You will need one folder for each family group. If you don't buy enough folders at first you can always buy more as you need them.

On the top or side of the box write your name in DARK marker and write the name of your project. Mine says Genmama's Genealogy. You should store the box in a safe place, away from little children and cats who are looking for a place to have their kittens! You will be collecting valuable pieces of information: letters, birth certificates, tapes, etc. You store all that valuable collection in your special box.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO DO THIS STEP BEFORE YOU GO ON TO THE NEXT STEP. YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!

LET'S INTERVIEW! Click here to find out how!

P.S. After you have followed all the lessons and taken all Genmama's advice on collecting family information, you will learn how to make your family history special!

Frog graphic © 1998 by Kitty Roach

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