In our ward we have been experimenting with a Family History Minute in Relief Society (it could also be done in Priesthood meeting by the High Priest Group Leader or male FH worker).  Our FH Consultants take turns presenting a Family History Minute on the 2nd Sunday of each month.  We do some on Family History tips, to help the sisters learn here a little, there a little; and we also do some ideas on "strengthening our families on this side of the veil."  You can teach a very powerful family message in just one minute.  We have had very positive feedback on the strengthening families tips.

If you want to try this teaching idea, counsel with your High Priest Group Leader first and have him counsel with the Bishop about it.  If they approve, be sure it is okay with your R.S. President and always keep it to ONE MINUTE (you could give a handout with some of the Family History Minutes, giving more detail or to expand on the idea presented).

This idea reaches and teaches a new audience (general ward membership), rather than just teaching those interested enough to sign up for family history classes.  It doesn't overwhelm anyone with too much information at once.



Family History Minute Ideas:

1.       Patronymics:

2.      The proper way to write dates when doing family history work  (Example:  3 March 1877) and the reasons why (eliminates any confusion). 

3.      How to write place names--from smallest to largest (Example:  Ogden, Weber, Utah, USA) and use of commas as place holders when information is unknown
         (Example:  Beaver, , Utah, USA).  Never abbreviate, except USA.

4.      FHE Lessons from LDS Living

5.      Census Records

6.      Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel Church Website:

7.      Picture of Savior on television set, etc., as a reminder:

8.      Christmas Tradition Idea shared by Sister Jane Metcalf (mother of  5 young children):

9.      Stillborn Children - Policy concerning Temple work:

10.    Patriarchal Blessings of Ancestors:

11.    "Find a Talk" at BYU Broadcasting website:  Church talks on Strengthening our Families, etc.

12.     Getting Acquainted with the LDS.org Website:  

13.     Organizing Family History Paperwork ideas and free tips and lessons:

14.     Registration Instructions   for FamilySearch.org

15.     "Your Story" - University of Utah/Museum helps with Oral Histories

16.    Time Capsule:  website to print off a sheet telling prices and headlines on someone's date of birth:

17.    Are you related to famous people?  Check it out.........