October is officially Family History Month. This designation goes back more than 20 years, just two and a half weeks after the traumatic events of 9/11. The bill passed by the United States Senate includes a long list of reasons why October should be Family History Month, including this statement:
“Whereas individuals learn about their ancestors who worked so hard and sacrificed so much, their commitment to honor their ancestors’ memory by doing good is increased; Whereas interest in our personal family history transcends all cultural and religious affiliations…”
While other commemorations are given one day to celebrate, it’s only fitting that family history gets a whole month — 31 days — to find ways to honor ancestors, record your own story, digitize photos and other media or visit an older family member. FamilySearch has made it very simple by providing a list of “31 Ways to Celebrate Family History Month” on their official Blog site.
The Springville FamilySearch Center at 260 S. 700 E. is promoting Family History Month in a big way by providing classes almost every day during the month. Qualified instructors will teach about finding your Mayflower ancestors and ways to honor the veterans in your family. There will be classes on digitizing photos and VHS tapes and using the new Interview Room to record personal and family stories for posterity. You can also learn more about the great resources available on Find-a-Grave and Billion Graves. If you don’t know where to start, there are classes on creating a plan and using the research process. One of the most exciting classes will focus on creating a family plan to make family history part of your lives year-round. Training is also available for anyone who has church callings in Temple and Family History.
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Everyone is Welcome online at: familysearch.org/en/centers/springville_utah
Do you have ancestors who settled Springville and the surrounding area? The photo above is a historical photo by George Edward Anderson and covers a whole wall in our Center. It was taken in 1908, the Inaugural Year of the Lincoln Elementary school, which was located where the U.S. Post Office is now located. Stop in and help us identify your family members.
Submitted By Sharon Ewing
