Genealogy
and Family History Exploration
So you want to investigate your family's history, but you aren't sure where to start? Follow this exploration to learn more about genealogy, which will assist you in learning about your past. During this activity, you will learn how to decipher old handwriting, read tombstones, learn about historical clothing, traditions, customs and much more. Then you will use the information to create your family's story.
SURNAME Research:
Surname Web: locate
information on your last name including surname origins and meanings, coat of
arms symbol, landmarks around the country named after your surname. http://surnameweb.org/
SWYRICH: this site
will give you information on the origins of your surname, as well as the first
people to settle in America who may be your long, lost ancestors. Go to Surname
Search and type in your last name. http://swyrich.com/
Royal
Genealogy: Could you be related to Royalty? Try searching for your surname
using this extensive database. http://ftp.cac.psu.edu/~saw/royal/royalgen.html
Irish
History on the Web: Everything you need to now about the Irish. Locate
ancestors who traveled by boat to America by viewing passenger lists. http://wwwvms.utexas.edu/~jdana/irehist.html
Mayflower
on the Web: Could you be related to passengers on the Mayflower? Visit this
site to learn more about the Mayflower, and view the passenger list. http://members.aol.com/calebj/mayflower.html
Wall of Honor: Ellis
Island: Search for your surname at Ellis Island. You will learn who entered
the United States through Ellis Island, from what country they came, and their
age. http://wallofhonor.com/ and
www.ellisisland.org
Learning from HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS:
For Extra Credit, Complete a
"TRY THIS" activity.
Learning about your family's history includes looking at objects which have been passed down through the generations. Do you have old photos, clothing, letters, or other heirlooms? Use the following sites to help you become a detective to uncover the stories of your family belongings.
Reading
Old Handwriting: Handwriting styles have changed over the years. If you have
old documents, this site can help you to solve the mystery of the ancient
handwriting. (http://firstct.com/fv/oldhand.html)
Observing
Old Photographs: Learn how to observe details in old photographs. On this
journey, you will assume the role of historical detective and search for clues
to America's past. (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/activity/port/start.html)
Timed
Period Clothing: Learn about clothing worn throughout the centuries. Use the
information at this site to analyze family photos. Can you determine when the
picture was taken? TRY THIS: Describe a time period
outfit you would enjoy wearing, and another outfit you would never be caught
wearing. Print out a copy of each outfit, cut out the face, and draw/paste a
picture of yourself. (http://members.aol.com/nebula5/tcpinfo2.html)
Genealogical
Dictionary: Need help understanding genealogical terms? TRY
THIS: Select 5 words from the alphabetical dictionary list. Draw a picture to
match the definition of each word (http://charweb.org/gen/gendict.html)
Archaeology for Kids: do you have old artifacts, but don't know what they are? Go to this site to learn more about colonial artifacts and objects.TRY THIS: select an activity to complete from the list. Document what you did and what you learned. (http://history.org/cwf/argy/argykids.htm)
You
be the Historian: Historians study the everyday lives of people who lived in
the past by looking at clues: the objects and documents that people left behind
and that have somehow survived. Someday future historians interested in the
history of the late 20th century may study your family! (http://si.edu/organiza/museums/nmah/notkid/ubh/00intro.htm)
Occupations: Careers sure have changed! Was your great grandfather a Cooper?
This was an important job 200 years ago! Learn more about old and new
occupations.