1. Coat of Arms

2. The coat of arms, which was utilized initially by knights as a way of identifying themselves and setting themselves apart from soldier- enemies, could belong to a group of people or even a specific person. Also referred to as a family crest, a family coat of arms is essentially a graphic display of your family's name. This tradition, which goes back nearly 800 years, symbolizes the history of a family name. A family coat of arms may be unique to not only a family, but a person, corporation or state as well. http://www.archives.com/genealogy/family-history-coat-of-arms.html

3. Traditional vs. Contemporary Coat of Arms What are some of the symbols that you see? What clues can you gather about these families?

4. What would your Family Coat of Arms look like? Your coat of arms can be inspired by the history of your family name, or symbols that represent your family/members of your family Your coat of arms must have at least 5 different components that relate directly back to you and your family/family name

5. Helpful Links Traditional European symbols and their meanings http://www.fleurdelis.com/symbolism.htm http://www.fleurdelis.com/symbolism.htm What does your last name mean? http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts