Ever wonder what your ancestors did for fun? Learn about the games children played during the Victorian era at the Education Network of Ontario (ENO) Social Studies site. Some games, such as Old Maid and Tug-of-War, are still played today, but others are obsolete, including Deerstalker and Errand Boy. It’s Not All Child’s Play
Victorian-era adults enjoyed their own parlour games, including Charades, Hot Boiled Beans, and Statues. Detailed descriptions of how to play each of these games and other similar activities are presented on the Ladies of Reenacting website, where you can also pick up a tip or two about Victorian etiquette.
www.ladiesofreenacting.com/Victoriangames.html
Hitting the Books
Reading options expanded greatly during Queen Victoria’s reign. Children’s books, women’s magazines, novels, and penny-dreadfuls are all highlighted at Aspects of the Victorian Book.
www.bl.uk/collections/early/victorian/intro.html
What’s a Penny-Dreadful?
A penny-dreadful is the British equivalent of the American dime novel—a cheap, fun-to-read mystery and adventure tale. Read examples of both at Stanford University’s online exhibit of dime novels and penny-dreadfuls.
http://library.stanford.edu/depts/dp/pennies
Science Moves Beyond Victoria
If you’re ready to move beyond your Victorian ancestors, National Geographic is offering an opportunity to trace your family connections to distant ancestral roots using DNA testing. Their Genographic Project aims to collect a broad sample of DNA to be used to track ancient migration routes of the early human family. To submit DNA, you first must purchase a Genographic Project Public Participation Kit; from there, you’ll be provided with a DNA testing kit, and the project will identify what genetic haplogroup you belong to, providing maps tracing the genetic journey of your group.
www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/journey.html
Ancestry Magazine
