It's time to start thinking about indoor projects, and I have a long list! Along with some painting and sewing projects I have planned for the house, I am hoping to finish an afghan that I'm crocheting. We're into year two on this one, and so far I have either the start of an afghan, a long scarf, or since one end seems to be wider than the other maybe a big hoop skirt? (I never said I was good at it!) Since October is Family History Month, it's also a great time to work some family history projects into our to-do list. For those of you who may be looking for some ideas, here are ten to get you started:

1) Write a Biographical Sketch and Share it with Your Family. What better way to introduce your family to a favorite ancestor than to share his or her life story? Who knows--you may inspire another family member to help in your search for more information!

2) Share a Story from Your Childhood with a Child. My daughter loves hearing stories about when I was little. I've decided that this month we're going to take some time and document some of these stories together. She loves making little "books," so I'm going to ask for her help in creating a storybook for one of my childhood stories. Besides helping with her composing, handwriting, and drawing skills, it will show how fun it can be to preserve memories. Hopefully she'll begin preserving some of her own in this way as well, now and in the future.

3) Record the History of Your Heirlooms. As I was dusting some of the figurines I have in my china cabinet, I was once again reminded of where I got these treasures. It's always a time of reflection on the people who gave me many of these items as gifts, the trips where I bought some of them, or on the original owners of those that are heirlooms. If something happened to me, or if my memory failed (which it so often does these days!), many of these stories could be lost. Another goal for the month is to record the origins of these things, so when it comes time for my daughter to inherit them, she'll also inherit the stories behind them. This could be done fairly easily now with a notebook and a pen, or on my laptop. I can take photographs of them or describe them, and then include the story.

4) Create an Heirloom. Among the treasures I have that are not included in my china cabinet are the crocheted blankets from my grandmother, a framed cross-stitch from my sister, some pieces of embroidery from my Aunt Chula, a crib made by my Uncle Paul, paintings by my mother, and a pottery jewelry box painted by my daughter. Use a special talent that you have to create an heirloom for your family. If you're an artist, paint an ancestor, a living family member, a family home or ancestral town, a pet . . . anything or anyone that appeals to you. It's your handiwork and that's what will matter most to the recipient. If you have a knack for photography, take photographs and have them framed. Or how about a scrapbook of a family reunion, vacation, or some other special event? Anything you create yourself has a piece of you in it, and it's something your family will always treasure.

5) Cook up Some Family Recipes. I was thrilled the first fall day we had around here. I called my husband and told him, "It's chili season!" In the summer I try everything to avoid heating up the house with the stove. We exist primarily on foods that can be grilled, crock-pot dinners that I can put on the back porch to cook, and foods that can be made quickly indoors. Now that it's cool, I love being able to use my oven again. I have a number of family recipes that are favorites and it's time to start cooking them. While I'm at it, it would be a good idea to commit some of these recipes, which are primarily stored in my head, to paper. Recipes can be recorded on word processing documents (with any family stories that might go with them), and then bound in project folders to create simple family cookbooks. These could make great Christmas gifts--and you are taking steps to preserve an important part of your family's heritage while you're at it.

6) Make Copies of Family Photos. As the family historian, you have probably collected a number of ancestral photos. Why not get some copies made to share with other family members. (Stick them in a frame and you got yourself another great gift idea!)

7) Pass Out Family Trees. With today's genealogical software and your family data, it is fairly easy to print out a family tree that is suitable for framing. Family Tree Maker 11 has a number of templates that you can use in creating a keepsake family tree for your family. If your file is too large, there are also services, such as Ancestry's Heirloom Family Tree, that will print it for you.

8) Write a Letter and Spread Some Goodwill. Have you had a good experience with your local librarian, archivist, or county clerk? Why not write a letter to that person's supervisor, letting them know you appreciate the service you've received? They'll probably remember it the next time you ask them for help. It will also serve as a pleasant reminder to that institution that family historians are a part of their clientele and their needs should be considered when it comes time for assessing collection needs.

9) Volunteer. There's no better way to build "family history karma points" than to volunteer to help others. There are a number of online transcription projects that are always looking for help. Rootsweb.com is a great place to start your search for them. Also, genealogical societies are leaders when it comes to records preservation. They are always in need of volunteers to help with projects. Plus, it's a great way to connect with other researchers in your area. If your schedule won't allow you to get involved with a large project, try Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness, or simply share some of your expertise by answering someone's question on a mailing list.

10) Create Some Memories to Preserve Your Family History. Don't forget that the root of Family History Month is family. Spend some time with your family and friends and create some memories that will last long after Family History Month is over!

Juliana Smith is the editor of the Ancestry Daily News and author of The Ancestry Family Historian's Address Book. She has written for Ancestry Magazine and Genealogical Computing. Juliana can be reached by e-mail at: mailto:ADNeditor@ancestry.com , but she regrets that she is unable to assist with personal research.