In October, the fall leaves also showcase a whole month of opportunity with Family History Month being celebrated nationally since 2001.

This month of pumpkins, leaves, scarecrows and family reunions is a perfect time to begin to learn your family’s stories.

As the month of October rolls by, the Jonesborough Genealogical Society encourages readers of the Herald and Tribune to learn about your family history.

We are hoping to print old family photos, stories about ancestors, and research tips throughout the entire month related to genealogy on this page.

We have also asked our members to share their research techniques, stories, and photos with the public.

If you are interested in learning about your past, but do not know where to start, I’d like to encourage you to begin by writing down what you know. We have included in this week’s column a simple family tree chart that can easily help you begin.

How to Begin?

This week, I encourage you to write down what you know.

Step 1: Cut the chart out.

Step 2: Grab a pencil.

Step 3: Find the ME box. Write yourself in that box.

Step 4: Write your parents’ names in those respective boxes.

A note: Write your mother’s maiden name on the chart. Maiden names give you more lines to trace.

You see, you have at least two main lines to trace, but then you go back one more generation to your grandparents and then…