 Genealogy
This Merit Badge requires 1 session to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Genealogy merit badge are: 2a, 2b, 3, 4b, 5, 6, 7
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Genealogy Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
NOTE: For help with your pre-work, your counselor
suggests the following:
Joliet Family History Center on Springfield
Street
Family History Center in Naperville on Richmond
Ave.
Local public libraries, although if you can make
it to Chicago the Newbury Library is a great
source. |
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 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. |
| 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 the Genealogy merit badge 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 complete using the chart provided or the genealogy software program of your choice. |
| 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. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2025"
Download the workbook for the
Genealogy Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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