Scouting/BSA/Genealogy Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Census records are used to research ancestors

Requirement 1

Explain the meaning of genealogy:

Explain the meaning of ancestor:

Explain the meaning of descendant:

Requirement 2

Do ONE of the following:

a. Create a timeline for yourself or for a close relative. Then write a short biography based on that timeline.

b. Keep A journal for six weeks. You must write in it at least once a week. Show your journal to your counselor.

Requirement 3

Interview an older relative or a family acquaintance to obtain information about your family. Record the information that you learned and show it to your counselor.

Requirement 4

Name three types of genealogical resources:

Explain how these resources can help you chart your family tree:

Obtain at least one genealogical document showing proof of some information on your information on your pedigree chart or family group records. Give a description/summary of the document and show it to your counselor:

Describe how you would evaluate the genealogical information you found on the genealogical document:

Requirement 5

Select a organization from the list below. Speak with the person/organization that you selected and ask them a question related to their genealogical services or activities.

a. A lineage society

b. A surname organization

c. A professional genealogist

d. A genealogical education facility or institution

e. A genealogical record repository of any type (courthouse, genealogical library, state archives, state library, national archives, etc. )

Who did you contact?

What question did you ask?

What was their answer?

Did you ask any other questions?

If YES, give a description of the questions you asked and the answers given. Tell what you have learned from the experience:

Requirement 6

Begin your family tree by listing yourself and include at least two additional generations. You may use the chart in the merit badge pamphlet or the genealogy software program of your choice. Show your chart to your counselor.

Requirement 7

Show yourself on a family group record form, listing yourself and your brothers and sisters as the children. Show your form to your counselor.

Show one of your parents as a child on another family group record form, listing his/her brothers and/or sisters. Show your forms to your counselor.

Requirement 8

Explain the effects computers and the Internet are having on the world of genealogy:

Explain how photography (including microfilming) has influenced genealogy:

Requirement 9

Describe what you have learned about your family members through your genealogical research:

External links

• Genealogy Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• Tips for teaching the genealogy merit badge
• FamilySearch.org a free genealogical research resource online
• Library of Congress digital collections
• Blank pedigree chart
• Blank family group record