“Lord of the Rings” … “Roots” … “Color Purple” … Quiet Man” … “On Golden Pond.” Consider a common link of these movies. What is it?

Family history is not just a timeline containing names, dates and places. It is what surrounds us in our daily lives. It is what makes us who we are. Scrapbooks, cookbooks, photos, memories, traditions, heirlooms, and stories are parts that make up a person’s family history. The common factor in all of the movies listed is genealogy or family history in some form.

Family history affects our lives in many ways that we may not be aware of. How many television programs or movies have some aspect of family history involved? How many “heirlooms” do you have in your home?

“My mother made this quilt from old flour sacks and fabric pieces from clothes I wore as a child.” “My grandmother had a plant like this in her home.” “Grandpa gave me his favorite fishing lure that he had made.” “Our family would all go deer hunting together.”

How many times have you said or thought something similiar?

October is a very good time to share and gather some information on your heritage. It is also a good time to share such memories, stories, “keepsakes” with your children or grandchildren. October is Family History Month. As school is in session and sports events fill weekend activities, you could share what school was like when you were a child or how sports activities have changed.

As ranchers search for a new bull, they consider bloodlines. As a gardner is selecting flower and vegetable seeds for the coming garden, they consider where the seeds come from. As the farmer is planning his crops to be planted, he considers the type of seed and its hardiness. The orchardist in charge of grafting uses a stock from an old established variety. These each have a “pedigree” or “family history” as we do.

Do something with your family during this month to help keep your heritage and traditions alive. Happy Family History Month from the Grant County Genealogical Society.

Submitted by Nancy Wells and Jeannette Harrison for the Grant County Genealogical Society.