One of the new and inviting ways that family history center directors are successfully engaging ward and stake members is with family history games. Some directors prepare the games and host a family game night at the family history center. Other directors share game instructions in newsletters and bulletins for families to prepare at home. Either method encourages members to learn about their ancestors and to share that experience with their family.
Getting to Know You Card Game—A set of cards are created, where one side of the card has a photo of a family ancestor, and the other side of the card tells a story about the person’s life. Attributes worth emulating can be identified. Players take turns asking, “Do you have a person who has (fill in the attribute)? If not, ‘Go Fish.’”
Matching Game—Two identical cards are created using photos of family members, former homes, or other items of significance to the family and posted on card stock squares. My grandchildren’s favorite card is a great-grandmother whose favorite meal was bushy-tail squirrel! On the opposite side of the cards, the items are numbered. Players pick two numbers and try to locate matches. The significance of the items selected is discussed as the game is played.
Bingo—A card is developed with 9, 16, or 25 squares on it. Questions are listed in each square. Family members who can answer the question can place a coin on the square. For example, name a scripture that is related to family history; tell the name of your maternal grandmother, where your paternal grandfather was born, what the profession of one of your great-grandparents was, etc.
Jeopardy—Answers to ancestor questions are printed on card stock. Pick categories for each answer and assign extra points for more difficult questions. Players chose a category and how difficult an answer they desire to pick. Responses are made in the form of a question (since you already have the answer on the card).
One extended family studied family stories and photos before the cousins all got together. Games were played and each child was able to show just how much they knew about their ancestors. Family home evenings are a perfect time to share these games with family members. Sometimes families need support to accomplish projects like these family history games. As director, you can prepare materials and help members to research stories, photos, and documents about their ancestors. Learning to find ancestors and sharing that process with families is a natural extension of family game night. You can encourage members to continue their finding and complete any temple work for newly-found ancestors. Game night is a fun and entertaining way to engage members in family history.
