Resources

The Family Reunion Institute, a nonprofit organization at Temple University in Philadelphia, provides assistance to reunion organizers and is sponsoring the National Family Reunion Conference March 17-19 in Pittsburgh. A $175 fee gives participants access to panels and other events. Details: 215-204-6244,http://www.temple.edu/fri/familyreunion.

BOOKS: Among the many books on reunion planning, here are three to start with.

"The Family Reunion Planner" by Donna Beasley (John Wiley & Sons) is out of print but can be found used through Amazon.com. It offers detailed guidance on planning and hosting a family reunion.

"A Practical Guide to Planning a Family Reunion," by Emma J. Wisdom (Post Oak Publications, $12.95) is a basic book, good for planners with little reunion experience.

"The Black Family Reunion Cookbook," by the National Council of Negro Women (Simon & Schuster, $14), has a good selection of recipes to keep the crowd well-fed.

WEB SITES: Dozens of Internet sites offer suggestions on how to do genealogical research, keep kids entertained at reunions and everything in between. Three worth browsing:

Reunion Research,http://www.reuniontips.com, by Tom Ninkovich, author of "Family Reunion Handbook," includes the first three chapters of this standard text on reunions. Other essential tips are summarized.

Family-Reunion.com,http://www.family-reunion.com, developed by a nonprofit reunions promoter, is an easy-to-use A-to-Z planner. Computer-savvy organizers can also order a software program useful for organizing reunions through the site or by calling 800-766-8762. The cost is $29.29.

Reunions Magazine,http://www.reunionsmag.com, includes dozens of articles on all stages of reunion planning.

-- Gary Lee