Family History Month

Submitted by HOST GFS Carol@aol.com
From GER-VOLGA-L@rootsweb.com mailing list

From the 17 July 2001 -- Ancestry Newsletter Regarding the proclamation of October as Family History Month
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SENATOR'S LETTER AND RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT FAMILY HISTORY MONTH

Below is the text from Senator Hatch's letter that was sent to all of the other United States Senators requesting their support for his Family History Resolution to declare October Family History Month every year. Below that is the text of the resolution itself:

United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510-4402

10 July 2001

Dear Colleague:

It is with great enthusiasm that I write to ask you to co-sponsor my resolution that will dedicate the Month of October of each year as "Family History Month."

Within the last month some 14,167,329 people researched their family history and 24 million people have used the Web and e-mail to locate or hunt for family or friends with whom they had lost touch. Researching ancestry is a very important component to self-identity. It can lead to long-sought-after family reunions or life saving stories like that of Nancy Andjelich Margraff. Nancy's story, found in the book, "In Search of Our Ancestors," by Megan Smolenyak, helps to illustrate the need for public attention to the important subject of family history. Nancy started showing signs of an illness that afflicted her father who died suddenly at the age of 39. At the time her mother was told that her father had a rare illness that caused a cerebral hemorrhage that killed him.

After Nancy learned she had this deadly illness, she began corresponding with the Minister of Health in Zagreb, Croatia. He kindly accepted and distributed informational packets that Nancy put together regarding the diagnosis and treatment of her illness. She disseminated the informational packets to her extended family members, many of whom are alive today because they were identified through family history research that lead to the early diagnosis and treatment of their affliction.

At present there are some two thousand five hundred genealogical societies in the United States that represent approximately a million people who belong to these groups. One such group, The Federation of Genealogical Societies, represents around 560 genealogical societies and ultimately at least half a million individuals. There is no doubt that the study of family history is growing in popularity and is an important tool in researching ethnic identity and genetic health concerns.

I urge you to join me in supporting the millions of American men and women who have researched their family history by co-sponsoring the "Family History Resolution." For more information on this resolution or to add your name as co-sponsor, please contact Chris Campbell in my office at (202) 224-4412.

Sincerely,
Orrin G. Hatch
United States Senator

In the Senate of the United States

Mr. Hatch submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Resolution Designating the month of October each year as "Family History Month."

Whereas it is the family, striving for a future of opportunity and hope, that reflects our Nation's belief in community, stability, and love;

Whereas the family remains an institution of promise, reliance, and encouragement;

Whereas we look to the family as an unwavering symbol of constancy that will help us discover a future of prosperity, promise, and potential;

Whereas within our Nation's libraries and archives lie the treasured records that detail the history of our Nation, our States, our communities, and our citizens;

Whereas individuals from across our Nation and across the world have embarked on a genealogical journey by discovering who their ancestors were and how various forces shaped their past;

Whereas an ever-growing number in our Nation and in other nations are collecting, preserving, and sharing genealogies, personal documents, and memorabilia that detail the life and times of families around the world;

Whereas 54,000,000 individuals belong to a family where someone in the family has used the Internet to research their family history;

Whereas individuals from across our Nation and across the world continue to research their family heritage and its impact upon the history of our Nation and the world;

Whereas approximately 60 percent of Americans have expressed an interest in tracing their family history;

Whereas the study of family history gives individuals a sense of their heritage and a sense of responsibility in carrying out a legacy that their ancestors began;

Whereas as individuals learn about their ancestors who worked so hard and sacrificed so much, their commitment to honor their ancestors memory by doing good is increased;

Whereas interest in our personal family history transcends all cultural and religious affiliations;

Whereas to encourage family history research, education, and the sharing of knowledge is to renew the commitment to the concept of family and home; and

Whereas the involvement of National, State, and local officials in promoting genealogy and in facilitating access to family history records in archives and libraries are important factors in the successful perception of nationwide camaraderie, support, and participation: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate ---

(1) designates the month of October each year as "Family History Month"; and

(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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CONTACTING YOUR SENATOR
If you haven't had a chance to contact your Senator, please do so. This is a wonderful opportunity for the genealogical community to be recognized for our hard work in preserving our heritage. Let them hear from you!

U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate: Contacting the Senate, E-Mail Addresses (sorted by State)
You may also phone the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and an operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.

READ MORE ABOUT FAMILY HISTORY MONTH
You can read more about the history of Family History Month at:
Ancestry.com - October is Family History Month: How Will You Celebrate?

How will designating October as Family History Month be helpful to the genealogical community and what can you do locally to celebrate?
Ancestry.com - Planning for Family History Month (October)

More on Family History Month from Dick Eastman
Ancestry.com - Family History Month

"Five Projects for Family History Month" by George G. Morgan
Ancestry.com - Five Projects for Family History Month

FAMILY HISTORY MONTH WEB PAGE
A special Web page has been set up by Kimberly Powell at About.com for the drive to make October Family History Month. It contains updates, articles on possible ways to celebrate in October, and a guide to resources in your area. Organizations holding special activities during the month of October can also post their events, which will be listed by location. You can access the page at: http://genealogy.about.com/library/blfamilyhistorymonth.htm

© 2001 GFNEWS, a monthly publication of the Golden Gate Genealogy Forum, Inc. of Franklin, MA.
(America Online Keyword: roots.) The Editors welcome your ideas and articles,
success stories, favorite genealogy research tips, comments and suggestions.

© 2001 Graphics By Carol, All Rights Reserved