Family reunions are about more than food!
A family reunion can be the highlight of the summer, giving family near and wide a chance to visit and chat about the past, present and future. If you've found yourself nominated to plan the reunion, you may be stymied coming up with reunion ideas that are free. You'll be pleased to learn you're not the first to face this dilemma, and resources are available for ideas for a family reunion. Does this Spark an idea?
Photograph Table
When you send out your family reunion invitations, ask each person to bring several of their oldest photographs, with a brief description of who, why, where and when the photo was taken. Set up a special display table, and sort the photos by family branches if your reunion is extensive. If possible, have a scanner on hand so family members can share these keepsakes as well as a notepad so that family members can exchange addresses if they wish a copy at a later date.
Memorabilia Display
Great Grandma's flat iron, Great Aunt Olga's butter dish, a tool that Great Great Grandpa made: compile a display of portable antiques from all family members. If they have a photo of the house or town where the item was used, ask them to include it and to write a display note about the history of the item, when it was used, what it was used for and how they came to be in possession. You'll have the cousins chatting for hours.
Chamber of Commerce
Contact both the city and the county Chamber of Commerce where the reunion will be held. Explain your mission, and ask for handouts for the appropriate number of adult attendees at your family reunion. Maps, area historical attractions, shopping and recreation will all be at your fingertips, often in a complimentary gift bag and sometimes with free samples and postcards from the local area.
Family and Local Historians
If you have a budding genealogist in your family tree, ask them to bring along their research and to give a brief talk about what they've learned. Likewise, contact the local library or museum and ask for the contact information for a local historian. Invite them to give a presentation at your family reunion; make sure you know ahead of time how much time they need both to prepare and to give their talk.
Tags: family reunion, your family, family members, your family reunion, Chamber Commerce