October is Family History Month

In order to promote the study of genealogy, the Monmouth County Genealogy Society has been promoting the month of October as "Family History Month" for the past 12 years. In addition to proclamations by county and state governments, family history month is marked by several special events put on by our society and by many others across the USA. Schools are encouraged to include family history studies in their curricula.

"To understand a nation, one must first understand its history. The history is more than the laws and dates of major events. History lies in the daily life of the people for it is the people who make a nation. To ignore the lives of those who have gone before us is to negate their ideas, dreams and accomplishments. It robs us of the warp in the fabric of our own lives. And, each person's life is a thread woven into the tapestry that is that nation."

2001
U.S. Senate Resolution #160 designating the month of October 2001, as "Family History Month".

MCGS started the Family History Month movement in 1990!!

Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders - 22 September 2011
Proclamation

Cyndi's List - 11 July 2001
"...October has been designated Family History Month.   An idea that originated with the Monmouth County Genealogical Society..."

Along Those Lines - 13 September 2002:
"October is Family History Month"

The Family History Compass - 1 October 2001:
"Family History Month: It's Official!"

Ancestry Daily News - 2 October 2000:
"October is Family History Month:
How will you celebrate?"

Ancestry Daily News - 30 September 1999:
"October is Family History Month"

One of the ways that MCGS celebrates Family History Month is by annually having a contest among middle school children in order to encourage interest in Family History.

Letters announcing our contest go out every year to all schools in Monmouth County that have 5th and 6th graders.  First, second and third place award receive US Savings bonds of $100, $75 and $50 respectively. 

View Present and past winners of the Family History Month Contest