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
Check the calendar for classes and other opportunities!
Important Dates
August 31 | Closed for Labor Day
Sept. 1 | Closed for Labor Day
Oct. 5 | Closed for General Conference
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