For years I have wanted to take a Family History Vacation.

The definition of a Family History Vacation is to visit where your ancestors came from and see what they may have left behind.

We recently returned from a very rewarding trip. We didn’t find much in the way of concrete evidence, but there is something very exciting about walking the streets of place names you have only seen on a piece of paper, knowing that’s where your ancestors walked (my husband’s in this case). Also, every county has records and history books that may not be found anywhere else, even at the Family History Library, in Salt Lake City.

Here are a few tips before you go on your Family History Vacation:

1. A lot can be found online: Search for historical societies, county libraries, other people who are searching your lines.
2. Align your trip with days and times the societies and libraries are open.
3. Email any historians, researchers, or departments. Many of them can give you specific help for your area. Most people are happy to help you if you are specific in your request.
4. Prepare your family group sheets. Add all information and notes to each family. It’s hard to keep all the families straight when you’re out in the field: color-code them.
5. Plan your itinerary: Specific enough to get to the places you need to get to, but flexible enough in case you run into something fantastic!

Here are a few tips when you are there:

1. Use the GPS on your phoneto find even the most obscure places.
2. Have sunscreen and mosquito repellant if you plan to traipse through cemeteries.
3. Instead of writing down found information from cemeteries or books, just take a picture of it. Be sure to take a picture of the front of the book and church name too.
4. Don’t be afraid to stop at local museums. The guides there still

   

   might have, or know where you can find, information about your lines. Or just stop and ask an older person, working in their yard, if they happen to know anything about their town’s history.

5. Check the phonebook for the surnames you’re searching for and give someone a call. Make friends, make connections, create future correspondences.

Here are a few tips for when you get home:

1. Organize all your information when you get home–before you forget.
2. Email thank yous to maintain your new friendships.
3. Write down your experiences: the spirit you felt, chance meetings, miracles, etc.
4. Share your information online at FamilySearch.
5. Thank the Lord for this experience and new information.

Family vacations can be very rewarding and satisfying. You may not glean new information on your direct line, but you will learn more about their life and their experiences. It’s all about connecting with our ancestors.