Topic: Engaging Younger Family in Genealogy

We will focus on ideas to start conversations of stories at family gatherings, such as at Passover.

To complement our discussion, I have sent several short articles on the value of intergenerational storytelling and family narratives to members.  As you will see, there has been academic research on this topic (Robyn Fivush & Marshall Duke, Emory University) and its contribution to the development of a strong sense of intergenerational self, which can have significant social-psychological value. Crista Cowan at Ancestry.com has also addressed this issue.

In addition, I have included a list of suggested questions that can be used to start this discussion with family members.

At the meeting, we’ll hear a brief overview of the research, then open up the discussion to your suggestions and feedback on this approach, and the value of these family conversations.  The objective is to refine the material to be the subject of a membership meeting in March, in time to take advantage of family gatherings for Passover.