Requirements
1. Explain to your counselor what the words genealogy,
ancestor, and descendant mean.
2. Do ONE of the following:
a. Create a time line for yourself or for a relative. Then
write a short biography based on that time line.
b. Keep a journal for six weeks. You must write in it at least
once a week.
3. With your parent’s help, choose a relative or a family
acquaintance you can interview in person, by telephone,
or by email or letter. Record the information you collect
so you do not forget it.
4. Do the following:
a. Name three types of genealogical resources and explain
how these resources can help you chart your family tree.
b. 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.
c. Tell how you would evaluate the genealogical information
you found for requirement 4b.
5. Contact ONE of the following individuals or institutions.
Ask what genealogical services, records, or activities this
individual or institution provides, and report the results:
a. A genealogical or lineage society
b. A professional genealogist (someone who gets paid for
doing genealogical research)
c. A surname organization, such as your
family’s organization
d. A genealogical educational facility or institution
e. A genealogical record repository of any type
(courthouse, genealogical library, state or national
archive, state library, etc.)
6. 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 this pamphlet
or the genealogy software program of your choice.
7. 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.
8. Do the following:
a. Explain the effect computers and the Internet are having
on the world of genealogy.
b. Explain how photography (including microfilming)
has influenced genealogy.
9. Discuss what you have learned about your family and your
family members through your genealogical research.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges