Family Activities

F2-01: Detective Discovery Day
Plan a get-together with family members to discover more about the life of an ancestor (or more than one). Each person can to be a "detective" to find information by using tools of discovery. For example:

• FamilySearch profile timeline and map (Project 1: Goal 2, Choice E)
• FamilySearch fan chart: locate locate family lines, birth countries, sources, stories, photos, research helps and more (see Project 1: Goal 5, Goal B)
• FamilySearch/Discovery (sign into your FamilySearch account first)
• Google for information, along with using Google maps and the Countries page of The Family History Guide.

You could also include making that ancestor's favorite recipe to enjoy!

As the "detectives" see, touch, read, hear, and taste what that ancestor did, and do their best to learn what was learned and feel what was felt, they will feel empathy for the ancestor. Your family could then discuss how this activity can help develop an understanding of who we are and what we can become.

F2-02: Ancestor Guessing Game
*Steps
1. Decide on the ancestors whose stories you want to include for the game. You can find stories from your personal collections, or sometimes online. As a shorter option, you can study just the vital facts for the ancestor.
2. Study the stories or vital facts for the ancestors.
3. Draw an ancestor's name out of a hat.
4. When it is your turn, act out something (using words is OK) that person would do or say.
5. The person who guesses who it is gets to portray his or her ancestor next, but only after the actor tells more of the story about the ancestor portrayed.
6. Optional: Capture the portrayals on video for more fun!

F2-03: Create, Share, and Record Family Recipes
See Share Your Family’s Food Story, the Family History Recipe Book Idea, and this article.

F2-04: Create Your Own Quiz
Create your own custom templates for genealogy trivia, based on the popular game show.

*F2-05: Field Trips
Here are some suggestions for planning and taking a successful family history field trip. For more details, see this blog post.

*F2-06: Family History Discovery Center
Learn about the new Discovery Centers in Salt Lake City, Utah and Lehi, Utah. Make these part of your reunion if you can visit Utah. Many other family history centers have smaller interactive centers as well. See this blog post.

F2-07: Reunion Video
Learn how to make a professional looking family reunion video like this quickly and easily at this web page by Lisa Louise Cooke. Check out How to set up, film, edit, and publish a video on You Tube, or learn how to post a video to Vimeo. Remember that home movies become more loved and valuable through the years. Set aside time to view yours together – make new memories while remembering older ones! If you want to learn more about making videos, see 10 Simple Tricks for Making Home Movies Look Professional.

F2-08: Family History Reunions
Here are 10 great ideas for planning your next family history reunion. See these resources as well: (FS    AN    MH    FMP)

F2-09: More Reunion Ideas
Here are 10 more ideas for planning successful family reunions, courtesy of the Lisa Louise Cook website.

F2-10: Family Reunions Across the Miles
Check out this blog for ideas on using technology to plan virtual reunions: Strengthening Family Bonds through Virtual Reunions.

F2-11: Adding a Bit of DNA
Learn how to introduce DNA testing to the conversations at reunions. For details, see this FamilySearch post and this blog post from The Family History Guide.

F2-12: Creating a Family Cookbook
Baking family recipes can help you feel close to your ancestors who are no longer with you. Create a family cookbook to share with family members. It would also make a great holiday gift. Watch this video for ideas.