Family Heritage Projects
Family heritage projects preserve a family's history and traditions for future generations. These projects tell a story using photographs, recordings, recipes and mappings to trace a family's past. It is important that traditions are passed from generation to generation so that family members remain connected to the past as a way to understand the present.
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Family Cookbook
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Food and family recipes are an important component of a family's history and culture. Gather some favorite recipes from various family members into a collection for a family cookbook. Include main dishes, side dishes and desserts that have been shared through family dinners and holidays. A family cookbook is a way to celebrate a family's history through food and memories.
Family Tree
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A family tree does not need to be elaborate, but should be thorough and include correct information. When planning the tree, begin with yourself and include your mother's and father's names above yours. From there, fill in the branches of the tree with grandparents and other ancestors. If you do not know the complete names, ask family members or research family papers and online resources to locate the names.
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Scrapbook
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Complete a scrapbook as a way to catalog family events and photos. Include photos of as many generations as possible. Be sure to write a caption detailing the event or subject of the photo. A scrapbook is also a safe place to store newspaper clippings, birth announcements, birthday cards and family obituaries.
Recorded Interviews
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Choose the eldest member of your family as the subject for an interview. Prepare questions that you want to ask ahead of time and also remain open to gather information beyond the scope of those questions. You may ask specific questions about life during another decade, world events the person has witnessed or family celebrations. Videotape or record the interview for other members of the family to view.
Migration Map
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The movement of ancestors over the generations can best be illustrated by a family migration map. It allows the family to trace its geographic roots. The specific information the map provides also helps families search for land and Census records. Include points on the map and label with the location, date and names of family members that have moved. The lines on the migration map may not be straight or follow a certain pattern if there were multiple movements.
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References
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