October is Family History Month, an opportunity that allows each of us to honor the family trees of which we form an integral part. It’s a time to remember the ancestors who toiled in often miserable and unforgiving conditions and had to make a multitude of sacrifices just to ensure their family’s survival.

Without the work of our ancestors, without their sacrifice and faith, none of us would be here today. So perhaps we should take this month to remember them and the decisions that they made that have made it possible for our existence. And we can do that right after we learn more about our family trees and the people who populate them.

The History of Family History Month

We’re unsure of exactly who created Family History Month, but we do know that this holiday month emerged sometime during the 1990s.

Of course, people have been researching their family trees and paying homage to their ancestors for thousands of years before this holiday, so we don’t think it’s all that important to pin down an exact history of this month.

All that people really need to know about this holiday is that it gives us all a reason to unravel the rich tapestry that makes up our family histories. The one thing that we can say about Family History Month is that it’s now a worldwide observance.

Various organizations, historical societies, libraries, and genealogical associations have used this holiday to encourage everyone to take the time to research their family histories. After all, a person’s family history can really give people a bigger picture of their own lives and struggles.

Observing Family History Month

We would recommend that everyone begin this month by taking some time to investigate their ancestry. This might seem like a daunting task at first, but it’s not as hard as people might think.

It all begins by interviewing living family members who can give you clues about your family history. Once that information is in hand, you can then go through your family history — generation by generation.

This is also a good month for you to write down your own experiences and what you know about your family’s history to aid future generations in their search for the roots of your family’s tree. And while you’re doing that, you can take a moment to spread the word about this holiday far and wide using the hashtag #FamilyHistoryMonth.