Family History Month
October 1 - October 31
About Family History Month
Family History Month is observed throughout October each year, encouraging people around the world to explore, preserve, and share their family stories and ancestral heritage. Officially designated by the United States Senate in 2001 and championed by the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the month recognises genealogy as a meaningful pursuit that connects generations and strengthens our understanding of who we are.
What is Family History Month?
Family History Month is a month-long awareness campaign held each October that promotes the value of researching and preserving family history. Organised in the United States primarily by the National Genealogical Society, the month is marked by libraries, archives, genealogical societies, and community organisations offering resources, events, and encouragement to those beginning or continuing their family history research. While it has US roots, the interest in genealogy it promotes is global, with millions of people worldwide actively engaged in tracing their family trees. Genealogy is now considered the second most popular hobby in the United States, behind gardening, and interest continues to grow internationally thanks to DNA testing and digitised historical records.
When is Family History Month?
Family History Month runs throughout October 2026, from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October. It is observed annually throughout October.
Why Family History Month Matters
Understanding your family history is about far more than curiosity. Research shows that people who know their family story have a stronger sense of identity and resilience, particularly in young people. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Family Life found that children who knew more about their family history had higher self-esteem and greater ability to manage stress. Beyond psychological wellbeing, family health history is a practical medical tool: knowing which conditions run in your family allows doctors to monitor for hereditary risks earlier, potentially enabling prevention rather than treatment. In 2025, the NGS highlighted research suggesting that genealogy activities may contribute to healthy ageing, adding a new dimension to the benefits of the hobby. Family History Month exists to make these benefits accessible to everyone, regardless of their starting point.
How to Get Involved in Family History Month
October offers a wealth of opportunities to begin or deepen your genealogy research:
- Start with what you know – Write down everything you already know about your family: names, birth places, occupations, stories passed down by grandparents. A simple handwritten family tree is a powerful starting point and often reveals gaps you didn’t realise existed.
- Interview older relatives – Record conversations with parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Oral history captures detail and emotion that no document can replicate. Ask open-ended questions about their childhood, the communities they grew up in, and the relatives they remember.
- Scan and label old photographs – The NGS specifically recommends scanning family photographs and labelling them with names, dates, and locations before the memory of who is in them is lost. Free scanning apps such as Google PhotoScan make the process straightforward.
- Explore genealogy databases – Free and subscription-based platforms such as FamilySearch.org, Ancestry, FindMyPast, and Genes Reunited hold billions of digitised records including census returns, birth and death registrations, immigration records, and military service files.
- Visit a local archive or library – Many public libraries and county record offices have genealogy sections with locally held records not available online. Librarians with genealogy specialisms are an invaluable resource.
- Join a genealogical society – Local and national genealogical societies offer workshops, research assistance, and community. The NGS is the main US body, but most countries have their own equivalents. In the UK, the Society of Genealogists and regional family history societies are excellent starting points.
- Consider a DNA test – Consumer DNA tests such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage DNA can reveal ethnic origins and genetic matches with distant relatives. They are particularly useful for adoptees or those with limited documentary records.
History of Family History Month
Family History Month was formally established in September 2001, when the United States Senate passed a resolution designating October as Family History Month. The resolution was introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, who wrote: “By searching for our roots, we come closer together as a human family.” The timing of the designation, just weeks after the September 11 attacks, reflected a national mood of reflection on identity, community, and the bonds that connect people across generations.
The choice of October as the month for family history research is partly practical and partly symbolic. October falls after the busy summer months and before the full intensity of the winter holiday season, making it a natural time for reflection. It also aligns with the academic calendar, giving schools and universities an opportunity to integrate genealogy activities into term-time programmes. The National Genealogical Society has championed the designation since its inception, developing resources and campaigns each year to help people take their first steps into family history research. In 2024, the NGS marked 23 years of Family History Month, noting that the designation has helped bring genealogy from a niche hobby to a mainstream pursuit with millions of active participants.
The broader genealogy movement has grown substantially since 2001, driven by the digitisation of historical records, the advent of consumer DNA testing, and the popularity of television programmes such as “Who Do You Think You Are?” in the UK and “Finding Your Roots” in the United States. These factors have made family history research accessible to people with no prior experience, and Family History Month serves as an annual nudge to those who have been meaning to start but haven’t yet taken the first step.
Noteworthy Facts About Family History Month
- Genealogy is the second most popular hobby in the United States, behind gardening, and one of the most popular topics searched on the internet globally.
- The United States Senate designated October as Family History Month in September 2001, through a resolution introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah.
- FamilySearch, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the world’s largest free genealogy website, holding more than 13 billion records.
- A 2010 study found that children who knew more about their family history showed higher levels of self-esteem and emotional resilience.
- Consumer DNA testing for genealogy purposes has been taken by an estimated 30 million people globally, making it one of the fastest-growing tools in family history research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Family History Month?
Family History Month is a month-long observance held each October that encourages people to research, record, and share their family heritage. It was established by the US Senate in 2001 and is championed by the National Genealogical Society, with participation from libraries, archives, and genealogical organisations worldwide.
When is Family History Month in 2026?
Family History Month runs throughout October 2026, from 1 October to 31 October. If you’re looking to connect your genealogy research to a similar cultural awareness event, Black History Month also runs throughout October in the UK, with a shared emphasis on heritage, identity, and the stories that have shaped communities.
Who organises Family History Month?
In the United States, Family History Month is primarily organised and promoted by the National Genealogical Society (NGS), based in Falls Church, Virginia. NGS provides free downloadable resources, hashtags, and guidance each October to help individuals and organisations take part. Many public libraries, genealogical societies, and archives also run their own events during the month.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Family History Month with friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #FamilyHistoryMonth and #FamilyHistoryMonth2026 on social media. Whether you post a photo of an old family portrait, share a story passed down through generations, or invite a friend to start their research, every contribution keeps our shared heritage alive.
Related Awareness Days
- Black History Month – Running throughout October in the UK, this campaign celebrates and preserves the histories and contributions of Black communities, sharing Family History Month’s commitment to heritage and memory.
- Filipino American History Month – Also observed throughout October, this US month honours the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans, highlighting the intersection of national and family heritage.
- National Arts and Humanities Month – Observed in October in the United States, this month celebrates the humanities disciplines that underpin much of genealogical research, including history, literature, and cultural studies.
Links
- National Genealogical Society – Family History Month
- 31 Ways to Celebrate Family History Month – FamilySearch
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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