Genealogy and Our Shared Roots

Genealogy is the study of a person’s past. It connects family ancestry, helps identify common ground, and shows how our shared history gives us strength.
President Linda’s tree symbol reflects this idea. The deep roots represent our history and
provide a strong foundation that supports us as an organization.
Above ground, the branches represent the Legion, Auxiliary, SAL, and Riders, with one branch extending to represent the Juniors.
President Linda’s theme, “Grounded in Our Roots, Growth Through Renewals and New Membership,” carries special meaning for historians. Our 106 years of history connect us with one another and to our greater purpose: serving veterans.

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The Historian’s Responsibility

As historians, we are responsible for preserving the story of our units, districts, and department for future generations. This includes recording:

• Who was involved

• What happened

• Where and when it took place

• Why it mattered

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Tools for Recording Our History

To help prepare a complete written record of what we accomplish throughout the year, use the following tools and resources:

• Meeting minutes

• Checkbook register

• Facebook posts

• Website updates

• Phone records or notes

• Camera photos

• Newspaper clippings

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Rember March is National Women’s History Month. Objective: Celebrate the special women of our organization The month of March is dedicated to the celebration of women’s history. It corresponds with International Women’s Day on March 8th. What could be better for a women’s organization to do than celebrate their own history? Our auxiliary members have accomplished a great deal all around the world. Now it’s time to celebrate what makes them so special!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

What can we do?

• Learn more about Auxiliary members who made history within your department or unit. This could include girls sponsored to ALA Girls State who have gone on to do great things or those members who have improved their communities, state or country.

• Celebrate the women in your life – mom, grandma, even your sister.

• Donate money to the ALA Cavalcade of Memories budget at the unit, department, or national level in honor of a special woman.

• Set up a display in honor of those members who have gone above and beyond the ALA’s mission.

• Write an article for your unit/department newsletter about Women’s History Month or about the woman you are honoring.

• Check out how women’s fashion has changed over time in the Auxiliary, as well as women’s hair fashion. There has been a great deal of change from 1919 to today!

• Research and write about how the former and present members make a difference in the community and share with others.

• Put up a display at your local library, historical society, or storefront, celebrating the work that the women of the ALA have done and still do every day.

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Remember – these activities can be shared with the Junior members. Honoring our members provides them with a role model. Sharing our history with our junior members allows them to know that they, too, are valuable members of this great organization. Hopefully, they will begin to own this history and remain members throughout their lifetimes

New New! New! - History Pictorial Scrapbook
I am excited to announce the “History Pictorial Scrapbook.” Contest rules will be published in the newsletter and on the website.
Let’s make memories and enjoy a wonderful year documenting American Legion Auxiliary event.