In honor of Boy Scout Day – The Genealogy Merit Badge

Today is Boy Scout Day! And I am a Genealogy Merit Badge counselor.  Today I am going to feature this merit badge on the website.

I you are at all familiar with Merit Badges, you know that they consist of a series of tasks (or requirements) that the scout has to complete to earn the badge.  Before they start earning “credit” for the badge, the must approach the merit badge counselor, let them know they would like to earn the badge, and get a blue card that is signed by the ScoutMaster.  As they complete the tasks, they meet with the counselor to go over their tasks, and get them signed off as complete by the counselor.  When all of the requirements are complete, they turn in the blue card and receive their badge.  The Genealogy merit badge is a hobby badge, and not required for Eagle.

The Genealogy Merit Badge

Here are the requirements for the badge:

• Explain to your counselor what the words genealogy, ancestor, and descendant mean.
• Do ONE of the following:
  1. Do a time line for yourself or for a relative. Then write a short biography based on that time line.
  2. Keep a journal for 6 weeks. You must write in it at least once a week.
• With your parent’s help, choose a relative or a family acquaintance you can interview in person, by telephone, or by e-mail or letter. Record the information you collect so you do not forget it.
• Do the following:
  1. Name three types of genealogical resources and explain how these resources can help you chart your family tree.
  2. Obtain at least one genealogical document that supports an event that is or can be recorded on your pedigree chart or family group record. The document could be found at home or at a government office, religious organization, archive, or library.
  3. Tell how you would evaluate the genealogical information you found for requirement 4b.
• Contact ONE of the following individuals or institutions. Ask what genealogical services, records, or activities this individual or institution provides, and report the results:
  1. A genealogical or lineage society
  2. A professional genealogist (someone who gets paid for doing genealogical research)
  3. A surname organization, such as your family’s organization
  4. A genealogical education facility or institution.
  5. A genealogical record repository of any type (courthouse, genealogical library, state            or national archive, state library, etc.)
• Begin your family tree by listing yourself and include at least two additional generations. You may complete this requirement by using the chart provided in the Genealogy merit badge pamphlet or the genealogy software program of your choice.
• Complete a family group record form, listing yourself and your brothers and sisters as the children. On another family group record form, show one of your parents and his or her brothers and sisters as the children. This requirement may be completed using the chart provided or the genealogy software program of your choice.
• Do the following:
  1. Explain the effect computers and the Internet are having on the world of genealogy.
  2. Explain how photography (including microfilming) has influenced genealogy.
• Discuss what you have learned about your family and your family members through your genealogical research.

As you can see, this is a very effective overview of different forms of genealogy research and techniques.  If you have a local troop (they always need volunteers) consider being a merit badge counselor.  You many not be called upon often, but you can mentor those interested in your interests.