"Must-Do" Genealogy Projects

10 Perfect Genealogy Projects for September

As autumn arrives with its crisp air and vibrant leaves, September serves as a perfect backdrop to revisit and reinvigorate your genealogy research. From updating software to tracing ancestral traditions, here are 10 rewarding projects to make this September a fruitful month in your quest to discover family history.


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The air is crisp, the leaves are beginning to turn, and children have returned to their classrooms. It's September, and what better time to reconnect with your family history? Genealogy isn't just a summer vacation activity; each season offers its own unique opportunities to explore your past and build your family tree. As you swap out your summer decor for autumnal wreaths and pumpkins, consider diving into these ten genealogy projects tailored for September. Each one offers the chance to learn something new about your ancestors and make meaningful progress in your research.

1. Update Your Family Tree Software

Start the month off by making sure that all of your genealogy software and databases are up-to-date. New versions often come with features that make your research easier and more productive. Spend an hour or so downloading updates and familiarizing yourself with any new tools that can aid in your exploration.

2. Organize Those Summer Discoveries

Chances are, you gathered some valuable information during your summer travels or family reunions. Now is the time to compile and catalog these gems. Sort through photos, documents, and notes. Upload everything to your digital records and make sure it's properly labeled for easy access later.

3. Plan a Virtual Family Reunion

September is often a busy month for families with children in school and adults back to work, but it's also an excellent opportunity for a virtual family reunion. Utilize video conferencing tools to bring everyone together. The focus could be genealogical, encouraging family members to share old stories or even treasures like letters and photos.

4. Revise and Expand Your Research Goals

As the year progresses, your research objectives might need to change. Take an hour or so to reevaluate your genealogy goals. What have you accomplished so far? What would you like to focus on for the remainder of the year? Adjust your plans accordingly.

5. Visit a Local Archive or Library

Many archives and libraries experience a lull in September as families are occupied with back-to-school activities. Take advantage of the quiet to explore local resources. Speak to archivists or librarians about unique collections that may pertain to your family history.

6. Explore Fall Traditions

Autumn comes with its own set of traditions, from harvest festivals to All Hallows' Day. Dig into how your ancestors may have celebrated these occasions. You might discover family recipes or traditions that you can reintroduce into your modern celebrations.

7. Review Census Records

Census records offer a wealth of information about your ancestors. Spend some time this month combing through these resources. Pay attention to details you might have missed before, such as occupations, educational backgrounds, and even neighbors who could play a role in your family's history.

8. Map Your Ancestors’ Movements

Were your ancestors immigrants? Did they move from rural areas to urban centers? Use maps to trace their journey over time. This visual aid can be a powerful tool for understanding the social and economic factors that influence your family's decisions.

9. Make a Timeline

Creating a timeline of significant family events can bring clarity to your research. It's also a fantastic visual tool that can be shared with family members, helping everyone understand the sequence of important life events and how they tie into broader historical contexts.

10. Share Your Progress

At the end of the month, take some time to share what you've found with your family. This could be through a digital newsletter, a family blog, or even a printed booklet. It’s a wonderful way to keep everyone engaged and invested in the family's history.

September is a month of change and new beginnings, making it the perfect time to refresh your genealogy projects. By working through these ten tasks, you'll not only enrich your understanding of your family's history but also prepare yourself for deeper research in the months ahead. Happy Searching!

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Will

Will founded Ancestral Findings in 1995 and has been assisting researchers for over 25 years to reunite them with their ancestors.