What is family history?
Family history is the history of YOUR family. That means learning about your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and even your great-grandma. And you can help!
How do I get started?
Getting started with your family history is easy and fun. A good first step is talking to your parents or grandparents. Write down stories or memories they share. Look through photographs to get an idea of what your ancestors looked like. You can even use a map to track where your ancestors lived.
Family Fun at The Midwest Genealogy Center
There are tons of ways to have family history fun at the Midwest Genealogy Center. You could attend a program to learn more about how to uncover your family’s story – keep an eye on our events page! Use one of our Tell Me a Story Oral History kits to record your conversations with family members. Digitize home movies, audio tapes, recipe books, and family photographs together with our Memory Lab. MGC also offers unique programs for Scouts and Brownies to help fulfill badge requirements. Explore the resources here on this page for activities kids can do at any time.
If you are an educator or have a youth group or organization, we can bring the fun to you! Contact the branch to learn more.
Family Tree Coloring Sheet
Family Tree Coloring Sheet
Color your family and your family tree!
My Family Tree
My Family Tree
Create your own family tree.
Word Search
Word Search
See if you can find all of the hidden words.
Paper Chain
Paper Chain
Create a family history paper chain.
Family Migration Journey Map
Family Migration Journey Map
(courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration)
Family Immigration Journey Map
Family Immigration Journey Map
(courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration)