The President's Letter is a monthly column written by the FHSA President. It is published in our newsletter and posted here. Katie Gertz offer's insights into family history, the needs of the society, and personal reflections each month.
July President’s Letter
July 2026 President’s letter
America at 250: Discovering the Stories That Made a Nation
As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, communities across the country are reflecting on the people, events, and ideals that shaped our nation. Fireworks, parades, and patriotic ceremonies will honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Yet beyond the history books lies another remarkable story—one that lives within our own families.
The 250th anniversary of the United States offers a unique opportunity to explore our personal connections to the nation’s past. Genealogy allows us to move beyond dates and documents and discover the individuals whose lives helped build America, generation by generation.
Every Family Has a Piece of the American Story
For many Americans, family history reveals ancestors who witnessed pivotal moments in our nation’s development. Some may have fought in the Revolutionary War, while others arrived as immigrants seeking new opportunities. Many helped settle frontier communities, built railroads, farmed the land, served in the military, opened businesses, or contributed to the growth of towns and cities across the country.
Even families who arrived recently are part of America’s continuing story. The nation’s history is one of constant renewal, shaped by people from diverse backgrounds who came together to create a shared future.
Genealogy Brings History to Life
When we study American history, we often focus on famous names and major events. Genealogy shifts the spotlight to ordinary people whose lives were extraordinary in their own ways.
A census record can reveal where a family lived during the Civil War. A passenger list may document an immigrant’s journey to a new life. Military records can preserve the sacrifices of those who served. Old photographs, letters, and family stories provide glimpses into everyday experiences that textbooks often overlook.
By tracing our family trees, we gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges, opportunities, and decisions that shaped previous generations.
A Time for Discovery
America’s 250th birthday is an ideal time to begin or continue family history research. Many libraries, historical societies, archives, and genealogy organizations are offering special programs and resources related to the anniversary. We at FHSA are celebrating this special occasion by publishing your ancestors’ stories in every month’s newsletter.
If you are fortunate enough to have living elders, consider asking relatives to share family stories, photographs, and documents. Record interviews with older family members. Visit local cemeteries and historical sites. Explore online databases and historical records. Each discovery helps preserve family memories for future generations.
Leaving a Legacy
As we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary of American independence—we are reminded that history is not only something we inherit; it is something we create everyday of our life.
Future generations will look back on our lives just as we look back on those who came before us. The stories we preserve today become the family history of tomorrow.
America at 250 is more than a celebration of the past. It is an invitation to connect with our roots, honor our ancestors, and recognize our place in an ongoing story that began nearly two and a half centuries ago.
As fireworks light the sky this Independence Day, take a moment to consider the generations whose lives contributed to the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. Their stories are woven into the fabric of America—and perhaps, waiting to be discovered in your own family tree.
This article was created by ChatGPT and edited by Katie Gertz for our FHSA July 2026 newsletter.