October is Family History Month: Family History Tells America’s History

 

Carter Lacoste researching his family 
history at the Louisiana State Archives
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

I strongly disagree with the idea that family history is merely a hobby. Family history is America’s history. Our families are woven into the history of the places they have called home for generations. Their stories are connected to the communities, towns, cities, churches, schools, farms, businesses, and neighborhoods they helped establish and sustain.

These are the places where names became known, important events unfolded, traditions were created, and memories were made. They are the places where generations were born, lived, worked, worshiped, raised their families, and built their communities. They are also the sacred places where many of our departed loved ones and ancestors now rest. With this being said, it becomes clear just how deeply our family roots are planted in the communities our ancestors called home. Our roots run deep because our ancestors' stories are woven into the history of the places they called home.

Annie Harnett
Looking at a headstone on a Plantation
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

When we research our family history, we are doing more than collecting names and dates. We are preserving the stories of people whose lives contributed to the larger American story. Census records, land deeds, photographs, military records, church records, oral histories, family Bibles, and even old family stories can help us understand not only who our ancestors were, but how they lived and the communities they helped shape. Every family has a story worth preserving.

If you have never taken the time to learn about your family history, Family History Month is a wonderful time to begin. Start asking questions. Talk with your elders. Write down their stories. Look through those old photographs and documents. Visit the courthouse, cemetery, genealogy library, or archives.  Tracing our footprints and leaving no stone unturned in search a piece of anything that can help us cover a piece of America's history through our ancestors footprints. A piece of the puzzle help bring the bigger picture to together. It is just a matter of finding the pieces of the puzzle. 

Most importantly, come and learn how to get started. Your family’s story matters because family history tells America’s history. Please join us to learn how to explore, research, and preserve your family history at the Amite Genealogy Library on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Whether you are just beginning your genealogy journey or want to learn new ways to uncover your family’s past, this is an opportunity to discover the records, resources, and research methods that can help bring your ancestors’ stories to life. Come discover your roots. Preserve your family’s story. Help preserve America’s history—one family at a time.