Family Bibles as History

At Quiz Team, we focus on the Bible as the Word of God. But, the Bible also has a cultural heritage in America. The Bible has been the center of the home for hundreds of years, and often was the only piece of literature a family would have. As such, it is often used as a spot to track family history. Now, there is a new effort to find the history hidden in old family Bibles.

Dust off those old family Bibles. A statewide effort is working to preserve the family histories stored in them.


"I think genealogy and gardening are the top two hobbies there are," said Charlotte Miller of the Mary Blount Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The Tennessee State Society of DAR is spearheading the project that will run through June.

Organizers are trying to takes pictures of as many family Bibles as possible to preserve them.

"We had one come in just a short time ago with tin type photos and a complete genealogy. We have others that had been written on the back covers," Miller said. "We've had some that they put sheets in it, because they didn't want to write on the Bible. It's like a history lesson."

The next time you find that old family Bible, take a look inside and see what history may be preserved there. Who knows? You may rediscover some secrets of the past!