Also as someone who has worked on her own genealogy and gone through forced genealogical school projects, I totally agree with Melinda. >>> Melinda Yates <[log in to unmask]> 6/26/97, 06:01am >>> As someone who has done her own genealogy and worked with individuals doing genealogical research at the New York State Library, I share Carol Kammen's reservations about genealogy as a project for students. Ms. Kammen is not "alone." I think any genealogical project should be optional. In this way, those children who do not want to participate or are uncomfortable can elect to do an alternative project. (Jim Corsaro also made this point.) I also think a mandated genealogical project is an invasion of a child's right to privacy -- and, by extension, that of his or her family. Genealogical research is best begun voluntarily whatever the history or composition of one's family. Melinda Yates New York State Library Reference Services