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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Genealogy
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Genealogy is the exploration of family lineages, ancestral heritage, and historical documentation. You will master genealogical terminology, create a timeline biography or keep a 6-week journal, interview a relative, examine physical and digital records, locate primary vital documents, contact a genealogical repository or lineage society, chart a 3-generation pedigree tree, complete 2 family group records, analyze the impact of computing, photography, and indexing, and reflect on what you discovered about your family history.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Pedigree Charts & Family Tree Mapping
- Primary Sources: Census & Vital Records
- Oral History & Relative Interviews
- Genetic Genealogy & Historical Archives
7Printable Pages
9Requirements
2026Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Genealogy Requirements
Every requirement for the Genealogy merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Terminology and Record Types
Do the following:
- a Explain to your counselor what the words genealogy, ancestor, and descendant mean.
- b Explain what a family tree is and what information would be kept there.
- c Explain what a family group record is and what information would be kept there.
2Timeline Biography or Six-Week Journal
Do ONE of the following:
- a Create a timeline for yourself or for a 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.
3Family Oral History Interview
With your parent or guardian's help, choose a relative or a family acquaintance you can interview in person, by telephone, or by email or letter. Record the information you collect so you do not forget it.
4Genealogical Resources and Vital Records
Do the following:
- a Name three types of physical genealogical resources and where you can find them, and explain how these resources can help you chart your family tree.
- b Name three types of digital genealogical resources and where you can find them, and explain how these resources can help you chart your family tree.
- c Obtain at least one genealogical document that supports an event that is or can be recorded on your pedigree chart or family group record.
- d Tell how you found it and how you would evaluate the genealogical information you found for requirement 4(c).
- e Tell a likely place to find these type of genealogical records: marriage record, census record, birth record, and burial information.
5Genealogical Society or Repository Contact
Contact ONE of the following individuals or institutions. Ask what genealogical services, records, or activities this individual or institution provides, and report the results:
- a A genealogical or lineage society
- b A professional genealogist (someone who gets paid for doing genealogical research)
- c A surname organization, such as your family's organization
- d A genealogical educational facility or institution
- e A genealogical record repository of any type (courthouse, genealogical library, state or national archive, state library, etc.)
6Three-Generation Family Tree
Begin your family tree by listing yourself and include at least two additional generations. You may complete this requirement by using the chart provided in the Genealogy merit badge pamphlet or the genealogy software program of your choice.
7Two Family Group Records
Complete a family group record form, listing yourself and your brothers and sisters as the children. On another family group record form, show your parent or guardian and his or her brothers and sisters as the children. This requirement may be completed using the chart provided or the genealogy software program of your choice.
8Technology, Photography, and Record Indexing
Do the following:
- a Explain the effect computers and the internet are having on the world of genealogy.
- b Explain how photography (including microfilming) has influenced genealogy.
- c Explain how record indexing works and how that has influenced genealogy.
9Personal Family Discoveries
Discuss what you have learned about your family and your family members through your genealogical research.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Genealogy requirements in 2026. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/genealogy/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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