National Roots Day is observed on December 23 each year. It encourages people to explore their family history, learn about their ancestors and preserve family stories. With relatives gathering for the holidays, it's an ideal time to ask grandparents about their childhoods, look through old photos and start building a family tree.
History of National Roots Day
People have recorded family lineages for thousands of years, from royal genealogies to family Bibles listing births, marriages and deaths.
In the United States, interest in genealogy surged in 1976 and 1977, when Alex Haley's book 'Roots', which traced his family history back to Africa, and its television adaptation became national phenomena. Millions of Americans were inspired to research their own ancestry.
Today, online databases, digitized records and DNA tests have made genealogy easier than ever. The U.S. census is released to the public 72 years after it is taken; the 1950 census was released in 2022. The National Archives, public libraries and free sites such as FamilySearch offer access to millions of records. Who created National Roots Day is not documented.
Why National Roots Day Matters
Learning about ancestors helps people understand where they come from and how history shaped their families.
Recording family stories preserves memories that might otherwise be lost.
Genealogy can also connect relatives across distances and generations, uncovering surprising connections and shared histories.
Family history can also bring generations together. Grandparents often enjoy sharing stories, and younger relatives are frequently surprised by what they learn, from immigration journeys to wartime experiences. Recording these conversations, even with a smartphone, creates a family treasure that can be shared for decades to come.
How to Celebrate National Roots Day
- Interview a relative: record a grandparent's memories.
- Start a family tree: write down names, dates and places.
- Search free records: explore census records and FamilySearch.
- Scan old photos: digitize and label family pictures.
- Consider a DNA test: learn about ancestry, keeping privacy in mind.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, invite coworkers to share a family tradition or heritage story. In classrooms, students can create family trees, interview relatives or research where their family names come from. Be sensitive to adopted students and diverse family structures. At home, families can look through photo albums together, record interviews with elders on a phone, or create a shared online family tree. Label photos with names and dates for future generations.
Fun Facts About National Roots Day
- Alex Haley's 'Roots' sparked a genealogy boom in 1976–77.
- U.S. census records are released after 72 years.
- The 1950 census was released in 2022.
National Roots Day FAQs
When is National Roots Day?
National Roots Day is observed on December 23 each year.
How do I start researching my family tree?
Start with what you know, interview relatives, then search census and vital records.
Where can I find free genealogy records?
FamilySearch, the National Archives and many public libraries offer free records.
When are U.S. census records released?
Census records are released to the public 72 years after the census.
What inspired a genealogy boom in the U.S.?
Alex Haley's 'Roots' in 1976 and its 1977 television adaptation.
Are DNA tests useful for genealogy?
They can reveal ancestry and relatives, but consider privacy before testing.