In order for our descendants to learn the things we have researched about our families, we have to document and write down the facts and stories. Genwriters is a great website to assist you in getting started. Personally, I have referred to it many times, and I wanted to share it with you.

Phyllis Matthews Ziller, M.L.I.S. is the creator of the website. In her “About Genwriters” section she writes:

“Genwriters was created as a forum to bring together web-based and print resources to assist genealogists in writing their family histories. A well-written family history is more than lists of names, dates and places. To add interest and substance, a family history should be written against a well-researched social history backdrop.

Genwriters presents resources to assist you with your basic genealogy research. The Getting Started section presents the GenTutorial, a step-by-step introduction to genealogy. After learning the basics, GenGuides in this section will offer tips and pointers to help you begin your genealogy journey. A Bibliography of Genealogy Reference Books list helps you to build a home reference and how-to library.

The Research Resources section will help you to utilize valuable social history resources, such as newspapers, city directories, maps, and local histories. GenGuides and Web links will help you find both print and online resources to research your family history.

The Social History Resources section helps you to add context to your family history research. The GenGuide, A Touch of Social History: What Social History can do for your Family History provides an overview to get you started. The Social History Library offers a variety of helpful books.

Learn how to write your family history in the Writing Resources section. GenGuides will help you to create a written family history that will be cherished by your family and treasured by future generations. It is here that you will find tips and helpful ideas for putting your family history onto paper, from choosing an ancestor to beginning your writing to editing your draft before publishing your work.

It is my sincerest hope that the information presented at Genwriters.com will encourage you to write your family history. Imagine how wonderful it would have been if your great-grandfather had written a journal detailing his life during the nineteenth century. Now consider how thankful your great-grandchildren will be when they pick up your written family history to read about their ancestors. They will be grateful that you took the time to preserve your research.”

Another special site offered is a link to Genealogy for Children. Why introduce children to genealogy? This site gives these four reasons?

• History will come alive. Children will be able to relate their own personal history to the history they learn in class.
• The mysteries of other cultures will be unlocked. Children will learn about cultural traditions while learning about their family history.
• Children who spend time with parents and grandparents learning about family history, hearing the stories, looking at the pictures, will grow closer to those adults.
• A child will gain pride in his or her heritage. Learning is the key to understanding and acceptance. You can help the child in your life understand their own unique background.

While you are there, visit the Genwriters Family History Store to purchase material to help you in your writing endeavors. The store has writing and genealogical resources. Take time out of your busy day to write down your thoughts, things you have discovered as your research your family, and use Genwriters to help you along the way.