Monroe County Local History Room & Museum













News at MCLHR

History Room closed Jan. 16-22. Reopens Jan. 23.
The Monroe County Local History Room & Museum will be closed to the public from January 16 through January 22, 2024 for exhibit changing and seasonal maintenance...
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LAST CHANCE TO VIEW THE HUGE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE DISPLAY AT THE HISTORY ROOM
Saturday, January 13th is the last day to view the spectacular holiday village display, “North Pole Magic In Miniature,” at the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum in Sparta...
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Monroe County Local History Room & Museum

Discover Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy

Title: "Discover Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy"

Topic: Genealogy; Research Methodology
Suggested Grade Level: 5-8
Required Time: 30-45 minutes

Description: Students learn how to research basic information about people who lived in the past through examining primary sources and research aids (indexes). Sources to be examined include: birth, death, and marriage records, Federal and State Census records, old newspapers, court records, plat books, cemetery records and more. Students will learn the historic research process by piecing together bits of personal information extracted from a variety of sources regarding an otherwise unknown person from the past, and weave that information together to produce a short "history" of that individual. Students will then be encouraged to research their own family history using the knowledge, sources, and methodologies learned in this program.


Goals:

  • Understand the types of resources available to the public for use in genealogy and researching individuals from the past.
  • Examine various public records to extract useful personal data for an individual living in the past.
  • Synthesize historical data to create a large picture of an event (such as a person's life)
  • Gain an appreciation for family history, and when possible, open a new avenue for communication with an older generation.
  • Acquire the knowledge of researching one's own family history to begin an engrossing lifelong project of research and exploration.
Wisconsin Model Academic Standards
History Performance Standards Related to the Program
By the end of Grade 8

B.8.1 Interpret the past using a variety of sources, such as biographies, diaries, journals, artifacts, eyewitness interviews, and other primary source materials, and evaluate the credibility of sources used

B.8.12 Describe how history can be organized and analyzed using various criteria to group people and events chronologically, geographically, thematically, topically, and by issues

E.8.2 Give examples to explain and illustrate how factors such as family, gender, and socioeconomic status contribute to individual identity and development

E.8.6 Describe and explain the influence of status, ethnic origin, race, gender, and age on the interactions of individuals Common Core State Standards for Literacy in All Subjects (6-12) Related to the Program

Grades 6-8

RH.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

RH.6-8.2 Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

RH.6-8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.

RH.6-8.5 Describe how a text presents information (e.g., sequentially, comparatively, casually).

RH.6-8.7 Integrate visual information (e.g. charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

RH.6-8.8 Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.

RH.6-8.9 Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.

SL.6.1.b Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

SL.6.1.c. Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.

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