Fall Homeschool Series: Finding Your Family History
Take a hands-on journey through genealogy and build a family tree to preserve your heritage
This engaging homeschool series brings history to life through storytelling, interactive activities, and creative projects.
Homeschoolers will explore and learn the principles of building a family tree. They will learn research skills and will work to preserve family stories.
Throughout the unit, homeschoolers will be building a family tree - researching and saving their family history. At the last class, all homeschoolers will share their family tree and favorite ancestor story with their classmates and parents.
Program Details
Recommended Ages: 8-15
Dates: September- December, 2026 | Second Tuesday of each month, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: 1889 Courthouse | West Bend, WI
Cost: $45 per participant for the unit
Instructor: Jenna McWilliams - Researcher for The Tower Heritage Center, past homeschooler & current history student.
Program Schedule
Genealogy 101
September 8th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Learn: What genealogy is, why it matters, and how to use it.
- Do: Make a research plan and begin a family history.
How to Make a Family Tree
October 13th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Learn: How to lay out a family tree, how to find family records and how to put it all together.
- Do: Identify primary vs. secondary sources, use census records to build your family story, and build a family tree
Saving Family Stories
November 10th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Learn: How to ask the right questions and interview family members.
- Do: Begin making a family photo album and make a plan to conduct an oral history interview with a family member.
Final Project! Family History Presentation (Parents Welcome)
December 8th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- In this final class, homeschoolers will share their family history project. They will give a brief presentation on their family's story. Parents and other family members are welcome to come and enjoy the celebration!!!
Please contact Jenna McWilliams with any questions! Jennam@thetowerheritagcenter.org