About:

Our Approach

Family history research + untold histories

To introduce new audiences to family history research and other untold histories, Ancestors unKnown relies on a combination of lessons, workshops, and community engagement. While, our core audience is young people in primary and secondary schools, we also provide uniquely memorable programming for families, universities, corporations, cultural heritage organisations, and anyone else who wants to learn about history from new and personal perspectives.

Lesson plans for schools

An Ancestors unKnown book with artwork of a hand

Introduce students to untold histories and family history research. We provide comprehensive lesson plans for primary and secondary schools. Activities target academic skills, including reading comprehension, writing, research and analysis.

Guest lectures and workshops

An adult talks to a classroom of students (2 shown) , while standing in front of a photo of Harriet Tubman

Incorporate field trips and guest lectures to enhance your students’ learning. Whether they visit a local archive, tour a historical site or have a conversation with an oral historian, we support our students’ engagement with their local communities.

Community engagement

adults and students review family history projects

We’re an international community of students, educators, researchers, and volunteers. All of us are onboard to support your students’ learning and help them reach their research goals.

GENEALOGY RESEARCH
GENEALOGY RESEARCH
GENEALOGY RESEARCH
These lessons guide students through their own family history research projects. After doing some critical thinking about family and identity, students learn to interview family members, build a family tree, and conduct archival research. Genealogy lessons include:
  • What is genealogy?
  • Identity and family traditions
  • The (oral history) family interview
  • Primary vs. secondary sources
  • Online archives
UNTOLD HISTORIES
UNTOLD HISTORIES
UNTOLD HISTORIES
The syllabus targets the topics that are ignored in most traditional history textbooks. The lessons are about the people and events of history that often relate to our students and their ancestors. Some of the themes you'll cover during the untold history lessons:
  • Making Empires. Erasing Legacies.
  • Fighting for Freedom and Independence
  • Movement and Migrations
  • Multicultural Legacies

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