Turning Family History Month into a Digital Conversation

October marks Family History Month, which is a time when stories, traditions, and connections can take center stage. For professional genealogists, family historians, and societies, this isn’t just a celebration. It’s an open invitation to spark conversations and create meaningful engagement with the wider genealogy community.

Graphic generated with MidJourney

Too often, Family History Month passes by with only a few posts or reminders, missing the chance to truly connect. In today’s digital world, where audiences scroll quickly and attention spans are short, simply acknowledging the month isn’t enough. We need to go beyond the “Happy Family History Month” post and instead use it as a springboard for dialogue, storytelling, and community building.

Social media gives us tools to share not only facts but also human connections. This October, consider:

• Prompts that invite stories. Ask followers about their earliest family memory, a tradition they still carry on, or the ancestor they’d most like to meet.

• Spotlights on ancestors or collections. Share short narratives, photos, or even behind-the-scenes looks at your research process.

• Interactive content. Polls, quizzes, and “roll calls” (like surnames or locations) make people feel part of something bigger.

• Collaborations. Partner with another genealogist, society, or archive to highlight shared stories or resources.

When you offer ways for people to participate, you shift Family History Month from a campaign into a conversation.

Whether you are an individual researcher or representing a society, Family History Month is a chance to deepen trust and grow connections online. It’s not about posting more; it’s about posting with purpose. Every ancestor’s story has the potential to bring someone closer to their own roots, and every interaction can spark a lasting connection.

As we step into October, let’s make Family History Month more than a date on the calendar—let’s make it a living, breathing dialogue that bridges generations and strengthens our community.