Your Place in American History

large view Immigrants Arrive at Ellis Island in New York City

How do you fit into the story of America?

We are all Americans, or at least our families have chosen to make America our home.

And we all have immigrant blood. At some point, an ancestor chose to come here, to become part of the American story.

History has greater meaning and significance when we can see our place within the tapestry of unfolding events. When we recognize that our story is part of a larger story, and that the larger story has shaped our lives, then our nation's history has value.

As part of the American Studies curriculum for 2008-2009, you will be asked to research at least one line of your family ancestry, tracing the lineage as far back as possible. Applying research skills, you will compile reports on the people, places, and events that comprise your heritage.

Whenever possible, original documents will be consulted. Both federal and local governments compiled information about citizens. Local newspapers generally reported marriages and deaths. In the late Nineteenth Century, many communities published their histories, including biographies of local citizens.

You might be surprised at what can be found.

And you will see your ancestors connected to the events written in your history book, for their lives are your history.

Even those who are immigrants themselves have an important story to tell, as they are part of the new, evolving American story.



To begin your ancestral quest, please visit the links at the bottom of the page. Print out several family groupsheets and one or two pedigree charts. Sit down with your family and fill in as much of the information as possible.

You must first determine which family lineage to research. (You can always switch later if you run into brickwalls.) Keep in mind that Western culture follows the system of patronomics; that is, a child receives the father's last name. But, for your research, you may choose to investigate your mother's family. Or perhaps your mother's mother's family. Or perhaps your father's mother's family.

Confused? Here is your teacher's ancestry:

Edward N. Wevodau, son of Richard N. Wevodau & Emmeline M. Coons
Richard N. Wevodau, son of Nevin W. Wevodau & Hazel R. Golden
Emmeline M. Coons, daughter of George E. Coons & Marian K. Foreman

So, I am not just a Wevodau, I am also a Coons, a Golden, and a Foreman--and I could go back further generations and connect to other families.

Decide which family line to investigate. And keep in mind the concept of family: Your family members are those who love and care for you, who have welcomed you into their lives, and who will always be there for you. Biology doesn't matter.  Your parents are those who you call parents, whether they are your birth parents or not.  The right choice is only decided by you.

GOAL: In compiling information with your family, complete the charts as fully as possible. Locations are important, even if only a state. We will search original federal census documents for your family members, and the more information to help narrow the search, the better. Also, please note that due to privacy laws, most federal and state records are not public after 1930. Ideally you can identify several ancestors born prior to that date.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: Students who are immigrants or were born to immigrants will not be able to use federal census data. If this situation affects you, then please select a 19th Century American of historical significance. You will be asked to trace this person in census records in lieu of your own family.

 

Family Pedigree Charts and Worksheets
This website has free pedigree charts and family worksheets.

Genealogy Worksheets
A different website with similar forms.

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