Family reunion's are a special time of reaffirming ties within the family and the generations. A time to retell stories of years gone by, to begin stories a new, a time to pass wisdom and family history on to future generations.

When considering gifts for a family reunion there are many different paths you can take, a momento to have to each family member to record the occasion ie: T-shirts, key chain's, etc. or you may want to present the eldest member with a plaque to mark the event, or maybe a framed scroll of the two family crest in a marriage for an anniversary gift. What ever the situation we have the appropriate gift for your occasion.

The reunion is also a great place to begin keeping a record of your family history. If your just beginning to gather this information visit our page on tips and hints for an idea on how to begin.

We have a few forms to help with your reunion.

• A Reunion Checklist is available to help with the planning
• A Family Registration Form for the guest to fill in an arrival
• A Evaluation Form for rating the event.

One item you cannot be without for a family reunion is a family tree to be filled in by the guest's. To receive a free family tree chart visit the side bar.

The first thing you need to do in getting started searching your family tree is to talk to your family. Ask your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, anyone who is willing to share with you.

The genealogy questions you will want to ask are:

1. When they were born and where
2. Where did they grow up
3. When and where they were married
4. What were their parents names
5. When did their parents marry and where
6. Where are their parents buried and when did they pass away (name of cemetery, city, state)
7. Are there any other family members buried there or close by
8. Who were their Aunts and Uncles
9. Do they know when/where they were born, married, lived, buried
10. Ask them who their oldest living relative is
11. Make plans to visit this person as soon as possible!

When you go to ask genealogy questions - bring a notebook, pencil, tape recorder (with fresh batteries), lots of blank tapes, and a camera. Having too many tapes is better than hearing a great story and having the tape run out half way through.

A camera is another must have tool. Many people will be more than happy to let you see their old pictures but reluctant to let you have them to make copies. If you have a camera, you can take photos of them and no one has to worry that the photo place will lose them.

Write everything down. Even if it seems trivial. That trivial piece of information may just be the clue you need 6 months down the line. Date when and where you got your information.

What next? Take the info you know and now the detective work begins. Now you start looking for records. One of the first places you should start is with the census records. You will start to learn where your family lived and in what counties. Then you will take this information to search for other genealogy documents such as obituary notices, tax records, land records, wills etc... Each piece of information will add another piece to the puzzle.

Thanks to GeneaologyWeb for some of the info contained on this page, visit them at www.geneaology.com

Family Crest Information

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Your Smoky Mountain Reunion
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Timber Tops Reunion Cabins & Chalets
1-800-266-1066
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