To start everyone off, here is a story from Tom and Holiday Conley. click here. This is a great example of a few things.
Firstly, not all family history is done on paper or the computer. Often there are living relatives who have a wealth of information. More times than not, they are more than willing to share, they just don't know who is really interested. Aka- just ask around. Make phone calls, go see cousins whom you haven't in decades. If there is a lot of talking and you don't want to have to act as scribe, tape recorders (yes, they are still made) or a camcorder (talk to Sis. Nix if you would like information) are easy to use options for a small price.
Secondly, you don't have to sit in front of a computer to be actively participating. For family home evening, make a phone call to a relative or an old friend. Put the speaker on so that everyone can here, and quiz the individual. Prepare a list of questions beforehand or just wing it. Take a trip to a deceased grandparent's home. Go through old pictures- often looking at pictures triggers memories. Either way, it will be fun.
Thirdly, it is easy to involve your children. As in Tom and Holiday's story, one or two of their children and many of their cousins, children of Uncle Peter's, went on this excursion. One way of doing family history (though it doesn't actually create any ordinances) is simply to talk to your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. With your spouse or individually, tell them stories about their grandparents or other relatives. Even this counts, and as a child, I enjoy hearing about my ancestors- whether deceased or not. Parents, schedule a night every other month to do baptisms as a family (with your children who are old enough). Even if they are not part of the process of finding names, the youth of the church can participate in baptisms (adapt this to other ordinances as your children grow and develop). Making it a habit of going regularly will bless your home, and will give the youth something to look forward to.
Sunday Afternoons.
