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How to Make Family History the Star of Your Next Reunion
- Devon Noel Lee
- May 10
- 3 min read
Updated 5/10/2025
We all love a good family reunion—laughing over shared stories, chasing toddlers between picnic tables, and trying to remember how exactly you're related to that one cousin. But when it comes to blending fun with family history, many reunions fall back on the same tired activities: photo albums on a table, maybe a family tree printout… and that’s about it.
So how do we make family history fun—especially for younger generations who might think “genealogy” sounds like a homework assignment?
Don’t Just Remember the Past—Experience It
The truth is, when we make history interactive, it stops feeling like history. It becomes our story—alive, personal, and meaningful. With just a little creativity, you can turn your next family reunion into a celebration of your heritage that’s engaging for all ages.
Here are some ideas that have worked wonders for families who want more than just BBQ and bingo.
Make the Past Feel Present: Youth-Friendly Fun
You don’t have to choose between a water balloon fight and a family tree chart. You can do both—and use tech and creativity to spark curiosity in younger relatives:
Family YouTube Channel: Ask family members to make short, casual videos before the reunion—introducing themselves, sharing a funny story, or showing a talent. Compile them into a private YouTube playlist. It’s a fun icebreaker and gives everyone a way to "meet" before they even arrive. To learn how, watch How to Share Family History Videos By Using YouTube.
Cousin Tag Challenge: Set up a pre-reunion challenge on social media to see who can tag the most family members in old photos, memories, or reunion countdown posts. It builds anticipation and boosts connection before you even gather.
In this video, Janet explains how her family history in family reunion tips.
Weaving History into Family Reunion Decor
Go beyond the basic “Welcome Smith Family” banner. Use decorations to tell your family’s story:
Photo Table Runners: Laminate or tape old family photos under clear plastic tablecloths for a creative, walk-down-memory-lane centerpiece.
Heirloom Displays: Invite relatives to bring small artifacts—grandpa’s military medals, an old wedding veil, a favorite cookbook—to share and explain. Every object becomes a story starter.
Feed the Family—and Their Curiosity
Food is one of the easiest ways to connect generations. Try these ideas for dishing up history with your meal:
Ancestral Menus: Serve recipes from your cultural or regional roots. Whether it’s cornbread from Grandma’s southern kitchen or pierogi from great-grandpa’s homeland, let the menu honor your past.
Cookie Pedigree Chart: Kids (and adults!) can decorate cookies to represent different family members—icing for hair color, sprinkles for personality. Arrange them in a family tree pattern for a delicious genealogy lesson.
Recipe Book Videos: Film short clips as you cook treasured family recipes together. These videos can preserve both the how-to and the heart behind the dish for future generations.
↪️ Are you looking for more genealogy resources?
Grab your copy of these FREE Genealogy Research Guides.
Family Reunion Activities that Bring the Past to Life
If you want people to remember your reunion for years to come, add interactive games rooted in family history:
The Amazing Family History Race: Think scavenger hunt, but with family flair. Create clues based on family events or ancestors’ homes. Bonus points if the reunion is held in a place with family roots!
Old-Fashioned Games: Let kids try games their great-grandparents might have played—like hopscotch, marbles, or cat’s cradle. It’s a nostalgic (and screen-free) way to play together.
Storytelling Contest: Encourage elders to share stories—funny, dramatic, or heartwarming—and let the kids be the judges. It's a meaningful way to preserve oral history while keeping everyone entertained.
Ancestor Mini-Documentaries: Create 5-10 minute documentaries about ancestors, either their life story or an interesting part of their life. To learn how, check out How to Create Family History Videos that Pack a Punch - Webinar
Family Reunions That Strengthen More Than Ties
Family history isn’t about charts or timelines—it’s about belonging. When we share these traditions, stories, and heirlooms, we aren’t just remembering the past. We’re shaping how our family connects in the present.
And that’s a reunion worth coming back to.
What creative ideas have worked at your family reunions? Share your favorites in the comments below—let’s inspire each other!
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