Genealogy
Resources
- Genealogy Class Preparation Page
- Genealogy Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Genealogy Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
1.
Do the following:
a.
Explain to your counselor what the words genealogy, ancestor, and
descendant mean.
b.
Explain what a family tree is and what information would be kept there.
c.
Explain what a family group record is and what information would be
kept there.
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 or guardian'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 physical genealogical resources and where you can
find them, and explain how these resources can help you chart your
family tree.
b.
Name three types of digital genealogical resources and where you can
find them, and explain how these resources can help you chart your
family tree.
c.
Obtain at least one genealogical document that supports an event that
is or can be recorded on your pedigree chart or family group record.
d.
Tell how you found it and how you would evaluate the genealogical
information you found for requirement 4c.
e.
Tell a likely place to find these type of genealogical records:
marriage record, census record, birth record, and burial information.
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 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.
c.
Explain how record indexing works and how that has influenced
genealogy.
9.
Discuss what you have learned about your family and your family members
through your genealogical research.
