The Family History Guide Activities Section is a treasure house of ideas to create connection in the lives of those we love. In a blog post for FamilySearch, Rachel Coleman wrote:  “The United States celebrates October as National Family History Month and for good reason. Knowing, recording, preserving, and sharing our family histories can provide countless benefits to individuals, families, and entire societies. Family history is more than pedigree charts, censuses, and birth dates—it can be a powerful antidote against adverse life experiences that we face today, giving us a stronger understanding of who we are and motivating us to deepen our roots for generations to come.” She listed six reasons why we need family history now more than ever – core identity, connection, compassion, resilience, selflessness, and self-worth. Describing the need for human beings to have attachment, belonging, and connection, she quoted a popular TED talk entitled, Everything You Think You Know about Addiction Is Wrong. In this presentation, British journalist Johann Hari teaches that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it is connection. Rachel added, “Connecting with members of our family past and present by learning their history fills an innate need in each one of us.”

As a grandmother (and certified family historian), I am always hoping to inspire my grandchildren to love family history as much as I do. I continually try to find ways to encourage this to happen, so that they will reap the benefits of personal involvement in family history in their lives, and make it a life-long habit. I am convinced that as family history “comes alive” for them, they will experience the rewards and blessings hoped for. The Family History Guide Children’s Page is my “go-to” place for an abundance of ideas and resources to help me in this quest with my younger grandchildren. For example, in the Memories category, I am drawn to the ideas and links for dressing-up like ancestors, hosting “look-alike” photo sessions, and role-playing their stories.  I have made some sweet and lasting memories with my grandchildren as we have had fun together using these ideas.

Many others feel as I do!  See Stepping Into The Shoes of Our Ancestors.

One story we re-enacted was about Thomas Rees and his miraculous healing in Wales where he was born in 1820. Thomas Rees had not been a religious man, but this experience changed him and thus influenced his family for generations to come. Because Thomas and Rebecca were poor, they sent their son to America at age 17 and he worked for years to earn enough money to bring the rest of his family members over from his homeland.  When he was younger (he is now age 22), our grandson, Scott, acted out this family history story about his 4th great grandfather.

The Bleeding Stopped

A Story of Thomas Rees starring Scott Taylor Anderson

                                                                                    Thomas Rees, born in Wales, was said to be 6 feet 2 inches in his stocking feet.  It was said of him that no one ever had a better friend than Grandfather Rees.

He and his twelve children worked from sun up to sun down on their farm, the North Crocket Farm in Walton Parish, Pembrokeshire.                                                                                                                                           

One day Thomas was going out into the field with his scythe to cut the crop.  The fields on the farm were separated by hedgerows of green bushes.  Thomas set his scythe on the hedge.

He stepped over the hedge – a high step even for a man with long legs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             His foot came down on the scythe in such a way that the scythe flipped over, causing him to fall.  As he fell, the blade of the scythe stabbed him in the back.

                                                                                                                                                      He began to bleed so fast he knew he would soon bleed to death.  It took a mighty effort to get his back off the blade – and then how the blood poured out!

                                                                                                    There was no one to hear him call for help.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              He prayed with all his might.  Instantly the bleeding stopped.

It was a miracle. Grandfather Rees is a hero of faith.

Swabbing the Deck (like our ancestors did) credit: Jake, Nicole, and Claribel Davis

A knowledge about their family history gives children of all ages a sense of belonging and helps them find their place in the world. It can also give young ones something to live up to—a legacy to honor. “Hands-on” activities are both beneficial and fun, providing lasting memories that make a difference.

Check out the following link to see how another family accomplishes making connections to the past.

http://thegenealogykids.com/playing-ancestor/