History Starts at Home

History becomes meaningful when it connects to your own story. This belief is at the heart of every Roots & Routes family history program.

Family history is more than collecting names and dates. It is an opportunity to discover the people, places, and stories that shaped your family — and better understand your own place within that story.

Our programs are designed to help families discover, preserve, and share their story together.

Along the way, you'll develop research skills, preserve family memories, and make lasting connections between your family's story and the broader story of the past.

Available Programs

Family History Explorer Starter Pack

Introduces the foundations of family storytelling and personal history through engaging activities designed for family members of all ages.

Family History Explorer Storykeeping Toolkit

Builds on the Starter Pack with deeper investigation into family records, historical context, and research methods.

Coming Soon

We're continuing to expand the Roots & Routes Family History collection.

Family History Audit

A personalized review of your family's research to offer fresh insights, new strategies, and a customized research plan.

Everyday Artifacts

Discover how ordinary objects can reveal extraordinary family stories through guided observation, writing, and historical context.

Occupations of Our Ancestors

Explore the work, skills, and daily lives of past generations while discovering how occupations shaped families and communities.

FAQ section

Frequently asked questions

Who are the family history programs designed for?

Roots & Routes family history programs are designed for families exploring their story together. Whether you're homeschooling, preserving family memories, or simply curious about your roots, the activities are flexible enough to adapt to a wide range of ages and experience levels.

How long does it take to complete the family history programs?

Every family is different, so the programs are designed to be flexible rather than tied to a set schedule. Some families complete activities over several weeks, while others spread them across months as they continue making new discoveries. Explore at your own pace and revisit activities whenever new stories or records come to light.

Do we need prior genealogy experience to begin?

No. Roots & Routes programs are designed for beginners. We start with the stories, photographs, keepsakes, and memories your family already has, then guide you through discovering and preserving your family's history one step at a time.

Do we need access to historical records to use the programs?

No. We believe history starts at home. Roots & Routes programs begin with the stories, photographs, keepsakes, and memories your family already has. As your confidence grows, you'll have opportunities to explore historical records and other research sources if you choose.

Should I start with the Starter Pack or the Storykeeping Toolkit?

We recommend beginning with the free Family History Explorer Starter Pack. It introduces the foundations of family storytelling and personal history. The Storykeeping Toolkit builds on those concepts with deeper activities, additional tools, and guided opportunities to discover, preserve and share your family's story. Each program can be used independently, but together they create a natural progression.

Can this be used by homeschool co-ops or groups?

Yes. Roots & Routes programs work well for families, homeschool co-ops, family history groups, libraries, and other community learning settings. The flexible format makes it easy to adapt activities for a variety of ages and group sizes.

Will there be additional family history programs?

Yes. We're continuing to expand the Roots & Routes family history collection with new programs and experiences that help families discover, preserve, and share their stories. Check back here for the latest additions and upcoming releases.