10 Family History Activities for the 4th of July
by Shenley Puterbaugh
The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate the founding of the United States of America and spend time with family but did you know that you can make your celebration even more meaningful by connecting with your ancestors? Here are 10 family history activities that will help you do just that! (Many countries celebrate their own Independence Day. If you or your ancestors are not from the United States, you can adapt these ideas to your own country and family.)
Discover which Founding Fathers and US Presidents you are related to
You may be surprised to find which historical figures you are related to! Visit RelativeFinder.org and log in with your FamilySearch account information. Choose one of the following groups to search for ancestors: Constitution Signers, Declaration Signers, US Presidents, Famous Americans.
2. Discover which ancestors were alive on July 4, 1776
Search your family tree for ancestors who were alive on July 4, 1776 and make a list of their names. Print a blank map and mark where they lived. Write about or discuss how they may have been affected by America’s independence and what life was like at that time.
3. Learn how your relatives and ancestors celebrate(d) Independence Day
Ask, discuss and/or write about how your family members and ancestors celebrate(d). How did your grandparents and great grandparents celebrate? Try celebrating this year in a similar way!
4. Reflect and write
What does freedom mean to you? What are your favorite patriotic songs and why? How do you enjoy celebrating the founding of your country? You will become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and will leave a treasure for your children and grandchildren to read in the future!
5. Do a 4th of July scavenger hunt
Make a list of items that you associate with the 4th of July and search for them. Discuss the significance of each item. You can make this into a photo scavenger hunt by choosing places or things in your neighborhood or town that you associate with Independence Day. Split into teams go around town taking photos. When the teams reconvene, share the photos with each other.
6. Plan a family party and share
Host a 4th of July party in the way your ancestors celebrated or how you like to celebrate. Share what you have discovered about your ancestors with your family members. If friends are invited, you can either ask everyone to bring a story, photo or recipe to share from their own ancestor that is specific to the 4th of July or encourage them to get a FamilySearch account and discover how everyone is related to Founding Fathers and US Presidents together!
7. Search for country specific heirlooms
Ask family members what heirlooms (an item that is important to an individual or family) they have or know about that are related to your country such as a special flag or medals from ancestors who fought in a war. Record the story behind the heirloom and take a photo or request one.
8. Learn family stories
Ask family members for stories about relatives or ancestors who fought for freedom. Document them and share them with others. You can piece together stories by researching military records and obituaries too!
9. Learn a skill from 1776
Your ancestors who lived in 1776, had skills that you may not have. Try one! Some examples of time period skills are making Old Fashioned Donuts, sewing a flag or clothing item, and writing a modern phrase or poem in Old English.
10. Listen to patriotic song
You probably have a favorite patriotic song. Ask your parents what theirs is. They may even know ones that your grandparents or great grandparents liked! Listen to, learn or sing one of these songs! Click here for a list of songs that were popular during the American Revolution that your ancestors may have heard.
If you share your 4th of July Family History Activity on Facebook or Instagram, tag @INSPIREFAMILYHISTORY — we would love to see what you do!