By: David Rommel Douglas

Heartland Genealogy

How to Plan an Old-fashioned Family Reunion

Reunion time is just around the corner and what better timing could there be for the family genealogist. It is a chance to renew family ties. To gather all the clan from near and far and catch up on all the goings on.

The secret to a great family reunion is plenty of advance planning. You should start several months in advance so that people will have time to arrange their schedules. Some, who must come long distances may want to make a reunion the focal point of their summer vacation. Select a date when the majority will be able to attend. One of the traditional holidays will do nicely, since most will be off during that time. The Fourth of July or Labor Day weekends are among the best.

Invite family members to assist you in the preparations. It is true that "many hands make light work," dividing up the work load will make the event enjoyable for all concerned. Someone might be in charge of contacting family members and keeping a record of how many to expect. Others can be in charge of food, lodging and recreation. If there is someone in the family that has a natural knack for expressing themselves assign them to be the master of ceremonies. That same person might keep track of the event to prevent the little snags that usually occur when planning a large gathering.

If possible choose a spot for the family reunion that is on one of the old family homesteads. If this is not possible at least have the reunion in the area where your ancestors lived. You might plan trips to some of the old home places, cemeteries, or just touring the countryside.

Notify everyone that they should bring their old family photos. You might have someone on hand to make copies of photos for family members. Of course do not forget to have plenty of family group sheets for family members to fill out. Reunions are golden opportunities to gather genealogy data. Ask everyone in advance to bring family information that they may personally have. Family mementos and heirlooms are attention grabbers at any family gathering, especially if there is an interesting story to go along with them.

Get out your tape recorder, have on hand a supply of fresh tapes and batteries. You will have a great time interviewing older family members and recording their reminisces for posterity. Invite those with cameras and video equipment to bring their hardware along. A well documented family reunion is something all will enjoy for many years to come.

Well in advance of your event find comfortable accommodations for everyone. Take a count of how many will be staying in their own campers or possibly tents. A lot of people these days jump at the chance to "camp out." You might have to check into reserving space at a local camp ground. more,

Reservations at nearby motels or hotels are another consideration. Local family members may be able to provide space for their long lost cousins. With a little organization and cooperation you can work out the details. I have been to reunions with 400 people in attendance and things went off without a hitch. It can be done!

Old-time reunions featured all of the family favorites when it came to food. Invite everyone to bring their favorite dish. Fried chicken and ham with all the trimmings. Pies, cakes, watermelons, homemade ice cream, add to the list your personal favorites and you have a veritable feast of good things for everyone to enjoy. There may be some old family recipes that have been handed down over the years, what better time to try them out.

Consider renting some of the things you might need for your family event. Outdoor cooking equipment, plates, utensils, tables, chairs, even large shelter tents are available from rental places. A park shelter might provide you with just the site you need, especially if the weather threatens to be somewhat inclement.

Recreation for everyone is always an attraction at family reunions. Consider the different age groups that will be attending and their interests. The old timers may prefer to toss horseshoes

or do something less physically taxing. Younger members of the family may want to play softball, tennis, golf, go swimming or horseback riding, biking, or hiking.

There are so many possibilities. Make a list of what your area offers and select the events you think will be most enjoyed by the most people. Ask others for ideas and suggestions. The person in charge of recreation should have a good imagination and be ready to infuse a little excitement into all attending.

Before the party splits up and everyone goes there own way, be sure to get a group photo of everyone in attendance. Have someone assigned to record names so that all in the photo can be identified. You might take up a contributions for a photo fund so that all those desiring one of the pictures can have one.

Announce to the group the names of those responsible for making the reunion a success. You may want to establish a place and time for the next reunion. Many reunions are yearly events. If yours is not, perhaps with a little organization it can become one. Some families appoint officers, hold meetings and hand out assignments all as part of the planning stages for future reunions. Compile a list and send out invitations early. A photo postcard of a family patriarch makes a nice invite and a keepsake as well. Start planning now and you are sure to have a special event that everyone will remember as one of the best times of their lives.