This is a copy of my article published in the California State Genealogical Alliance Newsletter. I have also submitted it to several national genealogical publications. Talk to your society and spread the word to our fellow genealogist. Together we can make this happen. A Month Dedicated to Family History October as month dedicated to celebrating family history continues to be discussed among genealogist and family historians across the country. We can make it happen beginning with at grass roots level with individual and collective effort. Individuals can present ideas and suggestions of ways to promote the importance of family history to local and national organizations and volunteering to lead or serve on committees to spearhead the effort to implement those ideas. Possible activities might include some of the following; • PBS stations were receive notification of the June release of “Ancestors II” about March 1. Since we will need to contact our local PBS station to encourage the series be aired on our local channel we could suggest the timing be September into October. • Schedule an “Introductory to Genealogy Workshop” in your community. If possible this could be scheduled in the local genealogical repository. • Request local libraries feature displays of Family History material during the month of October. • Contact editors of local publications to request that they do a feature on Family History during that period. • Contact area Museums, Historical, Ethnic and Religious Organizations suggesting they might do a display, newsletter article, or program highlighting important role of families have held in the history of our community. • The program for meetings schedule in October could be a presentation by a popular local personality who can do a presentation related to the History of Local Families. • Contact the local Family History Center to determine if they may be scheduling classes or activities during October. Local societies might volunteer to co-host a Family History Center open house. • Local Bookstores could be notified that October is Family History Month and suggest they might display various books dealing with family history. • Contact local service clubs and organizations volunteering to provide a speaker for an October meeting. • We can contact the Board of Supervisors, local Mayors, and Chambers of Commerce requesting they declare October as Family History Month. The array of ideas to promote family history is limited only by the imagination and dedication of those engaged in making things happen. As with research it starts at home. Begin with a committee with an innovative chairperson to explore the possibilities and develop a workable plan. Involve as many members as possible, calling upon them to volunteer their special skills. Be prepared to support those who agree to participate. This may involve providing posters, writing articles for the media, providing speakers, and possibly even writing the official proclamation. Genealogist and family historians have a proven record of success of cooperative efforts. A month celebrating family history will increase awareness of our accomplishments and can highlight the importance of knowledge of the history of one's family. Heightened awareness is likely to increase interest in research and perhaps encourage additional support for records access. Jonelle Ellis Russell <ljrussell@earthlink.net>