February 2026 Newsletter

 Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday — Semiquincentennial Edition

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🔴⚪🔵 250 Years of Freedom — 1776–2026 🔵⚪🔴

Honoring Our Ancestors Who Helped Build a Nation

Red, white, and blue remind us that America’s story is not just found in textbooks—it lives in the lives, sacrifices, and courage of our own ancestors. As we approach the 250th birthday of the United States, we invite families to celebrate by discovering how their ancestors lived, worked, and contributed during the founding era.

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Family History & the Birth of a Nation

In 1776, ordinary men, women, and children lived through extraordinary times. Some fought for independence. Others farmed, sewed, cooked, taught, or prayed for safety. Each family—free or enslaved, immigrant or native-born—played a role in shaping our country’s story.

Family history helps us see history not as distant events, but as personal journeys that connect directly to us today.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Activities: Experience Life in 1776

1️⃣ Find Your 1776 Ancestors

• Look for ancestors living during the Revolutionary War era.

• Search census, military, land, or immigration records.

• Ask: Where were they in 1776? What was daily life like?

2️⃣ Create a “Day in 1776” Challenge

• No electricity for an hour

• Write with a quill or pencil

• Imagine cooking over a fire

3️⃣ Write a Declaration of Gratitude

Inspired by the Declaration of Independence:

• What freedoms are you thankful for?

• What values matter most to your family?

4️⃣ Research Revolutionary War Service

• Soldiers, nurses, spies, or suppliers

• Explore pension and military records

• Save stories in FamilySearch Memories

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⭐ 250th Anniversary Family Challenge

Learn one ancestor’s story connected to early America and share it with the next generation.

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KIDS ACTIVITY PAGE

Life in 1776 — When America Began!

👋 Hello History Explorer!

In 1776, kids didn’t have electricity, phones, or TVs—but they still had fun and helped their families every day. Try these activities to see what life was like when America was born!

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🕰️ TIME-TRAVEL CHALLENGE

Pretend you are living in 1776. Check what you would do:

☐ Write with a feather (quill)
☐ Help cook over a fire
☐ Walk instead of riding in a car
☐ Play outside with no electricity

What would be the hardest part?

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🔍 FIND AN ANCESTOR

You might have an ancestor who lived long ago!

☐ Ask an adult to help you look at your family tree
☐ Find someone who lived a very long time ago

Draw your ancestor.

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🎲 PLAY A 1776 GAME: MARBLES

1. Draw a small circle

2. Put marbles inside

3. Take turns knocking them out

☐ I played marbles today!

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🎶 SING A SONG

🎵 “Yankee Doodle went to town…” 🎵

Sing together and talk about how music spreads ideas.

☐ I sang ☐ I clapped ☐ I laughed

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🍞 MAKE A 1776 SNACK: JOHNNYCAKE

Ask an adult to help you make this early American food.

Johnnycake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup boiling water

• (Optional: butter or honey)

Directions:

1. Mix cornmeal and salt in a bowl.

2. Slowly stir in boiling water.

3. Cook like pancakes on a pan or bake in a shallow dish.

4. Serve warm.

☐ I helped mix
☐ I watched it cook
☐ I tasted it

Did you like it?

😋 Yes 😐 Maybe 😝 No

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🧵 CRAFT TIME: TRICORN HAT

☐ Fold paper into a triangle
☐ Tape or staple
☐ Wear it and say “HUZZAH!”

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⭐ MY FREEDOM PROMISE

Write or draw something for which you are thankful.

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📅 Upcoming Center Events

 

Using Puzzilla 
Using Temple Tools 
Editing in FamilySearch  
Bring Your Questions
FamilySearch 101
Consultant Training

 

 PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR DATES AND TIMES! 

Opportunities for Youth Groups

To schedule Wednesday night youth groups, please contact

Trina Winn at 208-242-6217

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January 2026 Newsletter

     

     Family History & New Year’s Resolutions

As we turn the calendar to a brand-new year, we’re reminded that every January brings a fresh chance to reflect, refocus, and recommit to the things that matter most. For many of us, that includes strengthening our connection to our families - both those who walk beside us today and those who came long before us.

This month, we invite you to think about New Year’s resolutions with a family history twist. Genealogy isn’t just a hobby - it’s a way to honor our ancestors, preserve stories, and deepen our own sense of identity. What better time to set meaningful goals than at the start of a new year?

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Family History–Focused New Year’s Resolution Ideas

1. Organize and Preserve Family Photos

Spend a little time each week scanning old albums, labeling faces while relatives are still available to help, or uploading photos to FamilySearch Memories. Even a small, steady effort makes a big difference.

2. Record One Story Each Month

Whether it’s your own memory, a parent’s childhood tale, or a grandparent’s life lesson, capturing just one story a month can build a priceless collection by year’s end.

3. Add or Correct One Person on Your Family Tree Weekly

Small goals are sustainable. Updating your tree bit by bit helps make your family records richer and more accurate.

4. Interview a Relative

Use the FamilySearch “Record My Story” feature or a phone’s voice recorder to capture conversations with loved ones. These become treasured time capsules for future generations.

5. Attend a Class or Volunteer at the FamilySearch Center

A new skill—like indexing, using DNA tools, or researching immigrant ancestors—can open exciting doors in your genealogical journey.

6. Create a Family History Project

Consider making a photo book, writing short ancestor spotlights, or assembling a simple pedigree chart for grandchildren.

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Why Family History Belongs in Your New Year Goals

New Year’s resolutions often focus on improving ourselves—our health, habits, or homes. But family history enriches our lives in a unique way. Research shows that people who know their family stories feel more resilient, more connected, and more grounded. When we understand where we came from, we walk into the future with greater purpose.

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📅 Upcoming Center Events

• Using Puzzilla 
• Family History Goals 
• Working With AI 
• Bring Your Questions
• Using Ancestry 

            PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR DATES AND TIMES! 

We’d love to help you set and accomplish your family history goals this year!

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🎉 A New Year’s Challenge

Choose ONE simple family history goal this month. Write it down, share it with someone, and take your first step. Small beginnings lead to great discoveries!

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Wishing you a year filled with discovery, connection, and joy.

Happy New Year from the Burley FamilySearch Center!

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026. 

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 December-The Gift

Celebrating the birth of our Savior transforms the month of December into a month unlike no other. It’s a reflection of him and the life he lived. Giving, kindness, reaching out, pulling in.  An awareness of blessings, of those less fortunate. Family is at the center of our celebrations and the focus of our hearts. As we gather, let’s share. What was a visit to grandmas house like when you were a kid? Favorite memory of Christmas with Cousins? What part is your favorite to play in the nativity? What can we add to our tradition that remembers those we love that have gone before us? Jesus and family go hand in hand. Family is his plan and hope for all of us. Eternal family with him! 

Activities

Gather your family and open your phones to Family Search-Compare a Face! Who do you look like? Or how about Where Am I From? How did my family get here? 

Have Grandpa read the story of Christs birth. Have the children act it out. Talk about what this means for you now. 

Talk about your blessings. What touches you the most? What tender mercies have we had this year? 

Prepare a family name to take to the new Burley Temple in January. 

As we focus our lives on Jesus Christ, our family feels love, peace and joy! Going forward together is HIS plan! 

Calendar

Check the calendar for classes and other opportunities!

Closed for Christmas- December 21 - Jan 3.   See you in the New Year!

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Reaching Out the Branches

As Thanksgiving comes ever nearer we prepare for the opportunity to meet together as families. It is a time to reconnect and create new memories record stories of the past year and collect stories of those we are living with.  We remember the past and honor those we have around us.

Recording Family History This November

Autumn is a season of remembering. Here are a few timely ways to honor your ancestors and strengthen current family connections:

• Connecting with the Future
  As we get together as families reach out and find out about what is new, what trends are most interesting and what interests the youngest around us. Time may make those memories embarrassing and sometimes those memories and stories will be asked as if there is never enough information out there about how it used to be. So find out their interests record and take note of what is most interesting to them make videos take notes and record it for the future,

• Record Stories
  Record videos or audio of memories The Family Search Center has a place where you can use equipment to record video and stories that can be uploaded to Family Tree and downloaded to anywhere you want to save them. The equipment there can make it look professional and gives you prompts on questions to help you with stories.  Don't forget that phone videos can be artistic and fun too. What is important is getting the stories before they are forgotten.  You might be the inspiration someone needs. 

• Using Resources
  Family Tree app stores and keeps the information of not only those who have passed but the living as well and you can fill in your own information and information about your family as well. Share and save your own story and those around you before it's forgotten.

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As we reach out this Holiday season we have an opportunity to connect with those around us. We have a chance to reach out to the past as well as we connect with the living around us. 

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Song of the Month

Calendar

Check the calendar  for classes and other opportunities!

Dates Closed 

November 20 | Closed for Cleaning

November 24-30 | Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

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October 2025

 

Holding to Our Roots When the World Feels Unsteady

These past few weeks have reminded many of us how quickly the headlines can stir worry and sadness. Families may feel a mix of grief, confusion, or simply the need to gather close. Moments like these are a gentle nudge to turn toward the things that give us steadiness—our heritage and the stories of those who came before us.

Turning to Family History This October

Autumn is a season of remembering. Here are a few timely ways to honor your ancestors and strengthen family connections:

• Harvest Heritage Night
  Invite relatives for a potluck where each dish comes from an old family recipe.
  Record who made what and the memories each dish evokes. Don't forget to take pictures!

• Ancestor Spotlight
  Choose one ancestor and research what their life looked like in October—harvest chores, school routines, fall festivals. Share the story (and any photos) on social media or in a family newsletter.

• Autumn Cemetery Walk
  A peaceful walk through a local cemetery can be both beautiful and grounding. Take photographs of headstones and upload them to a site like Find A Grave or FamilySearch to help others with their research.

• Spooky—but True—Family Tales
  Host a “family campfire night” (real or virtual) where each person tells a mysterious or funny story from the family tree. Think ghost stories with a genealogy twist.

• October Memory Jar
  Throughout the month, family members write down a favorite fall memory or an ancestor they’re grateful for and place it in a jar. Read them aloud on Halloween All Saints Day.

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When news feels unsettling, grounding ourselves in family stories can bring perspective and peace. Our ancestors lived through wars, depressions, and upheavals of their own. Their resilience can steady us now—and our own records will steady future generations.

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Song of the Month

Calendar

Check the calendar  for classes and other opportunities! 

Important Dates

October 5 | Closed for G. Conference

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September 2025

 Do You Remember September? 

Labor Day, Patriot Day, the Autumnal Equinox, Johny Appleseed Day—this month is plumb full of fun opportunities with family history connections. These celebrations and remembrances allow us to turn back the pages of a few decades and reinvent new things with families and friends.

Labor Day

This holiday commemorates workers, or blue-collar laborers, who work tirelessly to make everything work out. It takes everyone to make things the way they are. Many families celebrate with a final camping trip while it’s still warm, and some time for some final summer swimming.

Ideas

-Celebrate this nationally recognized holiday how you normally do, but find an opportunity to discuss the jobs of ancestral family members. Were they a blacksmith, a carpenter, a furniture maker? Everyone’s history has them. A simple conversation is all it takes, but overachievers can look up pictures, journals, and do some research.

-Practice the skills of blue-collar jobs, especially ones that no longer exist. What was it like transferring phone calls by hand? What was it like typewriting speech to text? What was it like milking cows by hand? There’s a million opportunities and options to explore.

Patriot Day

This holiday obviously honors those involved with 9-11, the terrorist attacks heard around the world. This especially honors emergency responders. Many celebrate by talking about what they remember on that day. Write it down if you haven’t already.

Ideas

-Watch a documentary, read an article, or research this historical event.

-Compile family members and their memories of the event for future generations (so many weren’t alive 24 years ago). Share so that they know.

Autumnal Equinox

This is a time of equal day and night, considered sacred by many ancient cultures. Research it for more specific information.

Ideas

-Plan a harvest-themed event, dinner, or family gathering. Usually, harvest is just getting into full swing, so it could be the last one for a little while.

-This is an opportunity to get some fall cleaning before harvest and winter comes in. Gutters, fridges, you name it, could probably use some tough love.

Johny Appleseed Day

The original Johny Appleseed or eccentric John Chapman was a gardener known for spreading his love of apple trees. Many celebrate with an apple-themed day.

Ideas

-Bake an apple pie, the fresher the better.

-Make homemade applesauce with friends. Have them each contribute some apples.

All in all, September is a great month for family history. Don’t forget to record the fun times with pictures and videos.

Song of the Month

Calendar

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Important Dates

August 31 | Closed for Labor Day

Sept. 1 |  Closed for Labor Day

Oct. 5 | Closed for General Conference 

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August 2025

 Preserving When It Comes

County fairs, school, and the remaining days on the river are memories waiting to be slammed into the family history books. And even if you’re not showing a calf or don’t have a family member attending school, you can still come up with some fun, creative ways to preserve memories. For example, let’s say you attend the rodeo. What do you do with ticket stubs, food wrappers, or other random paraphernalia that ends up in the car? Or perhaps you drive by your old high school and a memory pops up of way back when. Then what? 

Memory Preservation

Memories come to you for a reason. They remind us of the past and help us build a stronger future. They also are a great time to preserve said memories. Rodeo items can be photographed, smash booked, scrapbooked, and stored in a myriad of ways. High school memories can be video journaled, blogged, or journaled about as well. And don’t let this list stop you. Find your way of memory preservation. You’ll thank your past self someday. \

Keeping A Journal

Journals have remarkably different styles depending on the person. Some just write out day by day while others record certain moments or testimonies. One favorite is gratitude journals where the individual writes about their day, focusing on the positive (which can be much easier said than done in this crazy world). 

Donating Journals

Also, did you know you can donate journals to be stored by the Church History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Delicate journals that require attention or that no longer have a living firsthand relative are especially desired for preservation. Contact them by phone or an online form to see if they’d be interested in your journals. 

• Phone: 1-801-240-5696
• Online Contact Form: https://chl.libanswers.com/form?queue_id=4226

So go ahead and preserve things as they come to mind. You won't regret it!

Song of the Month

Calendar

Check the calendar  for classes and other opportunities! 

Important Dates

August 31 | Closed for Labor Day

Sept. 1 |  Closed for Labor Day

 

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