Expanding the reach of family history education

Developed by experts at American Ancestors/NEHGS, this free-to-access national curriculum is designed to expose students in grades 4 through 6 to the concepts, benefits, and joys of family history. Each lesson incorporates authentic methodologies used by professional genealogists, along with inclusive teaching strategies to ensure genealogy is accessible to all students.

A teacher, smiling, leans down between two students at a table to see their work.
More About the Curriculum

This curriculum aims to empower students to explore family history in a safe way. All students, regardless of their background and family configuration, should be given an equal opportunity to develop critical skills to better understand themselves and the shared human experience.

Students will discover that genealogy is a discipline that provides intrinsic value not only to individuals and families, but to all of society. Genealogy is an exciting and dynamic endeavor which provides a real-world, personal connection to history. It is much more than having students fill out a family tree—it encompasses a wide range of historical inquiry, including personal family history, community genealogy, and case studies using famous figures from history.

The curriculum is free to access. Included are editable handouts and classroom activities, lesson plans, and everything educators need to tailor the curriculum to their students' needs.

Objectives

  • Empower students to develop critical research and thinking skills
  • Empower teachers to effectively teach genealogy to all students
  • Inspire the next generation of family historians

Target Audience

  • Grades 4-6
  • Students with any background and family configuration

Standards

  • Common Core State Standards

Recorded Webinar: Using the National Family History Curriculum

Learn about the challenges and opportunities when teaching and learning genealogy, and hear an overview of the lesson plan sequence and key teaching strategies in our curriculum.

Teacher Training

Schedule a free training with our Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator and learn how you can implement the family history curriculum in your classroom.

Youth Education Resources

Discover more resources and activities to engage young people with family history research.

Virtual Field Trips

Take a field trip without leaving your classroom! Introduce your students to the concepts, benefits, and joys of family history. Students will learn how to think like a genealogist and discover how to trace families back in time.

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Access the Curriculum

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