Ancestor Appreciation Day

Ancestor Appreciation Day is an annual observance dedicated to honoring and learning about our family history and heritage. It’s a time to reflect on the lives of those who came before us and appreciate their contributions to our present.

Quick Facts

When is it?: September 27th annually
Tagged as: Family & Friends, History & Culture
What’s the hashtag?: #AncestorAppreciationDay
When was it founded?: 1987
Who founded it?: International Society for Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)

History of Ancestor Appreciation Day

Ancestor Appreciation Day was established in 1987 by the International Society for Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) to encourage people to research their family history and learn more about their ancestors. The date, September 27th, was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the first publication of the “Baltimore Sun,” one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in the United States.

Timeline

1830s: John Farmer and other antiquarians draw public attention to genealogy
1845: The Genealogical Society is formed to help trace family lineages
1903: The National Genealogical Society is formed in honor of the U.S. genealogical field
1987: Ancestor Appreciation Day is established by ISOGG

Upcoming Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	September 27	Saturday
2026	September 27	Sunday
2027	September 27	Monday
2028	September 27	Wednesday
2029	September 27	Thursday
2030	September 27	Friday

Observed

Ancestor Appreciation Day is primarily observed in the United States, but the concept of honoring ancestors is universal and celebrated in various forms across different cultures worldwide.

Fun Facts About Ancestor Appreciation Day

Many genealogical societies host events and workshops on this day to help people start their family history research.
The day encourages people to create family trees, which can sometimes reveal surprising connections to distant relatives or even historical figures.
Cooking traditional family recipes is a popular way to celebrate and connect with ancestral heritage.
Some people use this day to visit cemeteries where their ancestors are buried, leaving flowers or other mementos.
Creating family photo albums or digital scrapbooks has become a modern way to preserve and share family history.

Quiz

When is Ancestor Appreciation Day celebrated?
Who established Ancestor Appreciation Day?
What year was Ancestor Appreciation Day founded?

(Answers: 1. September 27th, 2. International Society for Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG), 3. 1987)

FAQs

Q: How can I celebrate Ancestor Appreciation Day?
A: You can celebrate by researching your family history, creating a family tree, sharing family stories, cooking traditional recipes, or visiting places significant to your ancestors.

Q: Is Ancestor Appreciation Day a public holiday?
A: No, it’s not a public holiday but rather an observance day dedicated to honoring our ancestors and family history.

Importance of Ancestor Appreciation Day

Ancestor Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our roots and the impact our ancestors have had on shaping our lives. It encourages us to preserve family stories and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. The day also promotes cultural diversity and helps us appreciate the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before us, inspiring gratitude and respect for our heritage.