Interest in the family is pervasive throughout American culture today. The problematic relationship between the family and modern society is recognized by those of diverse political persuasions. Contemporary interest in the family is not entirely problem-oriented, however. Within the past 2 decades a quiet undercurrent of research focusing on families that are doing well has generated a substantial movement to strengthen American families. The primary motivation behind the pioneer research on strong, healthy families has been the realization of a compelling need for a non-pathological understanding of families. Two research traditions have contributed to present knowledge of strong, healthy families: "family strengths" research, and "healthy family" or "normal family" research. Both research traditions have largely developed in parallel relation to each other. As an aid to family professionals and policymakers whose decisions affect families, this paper presents a summary review of six pioneer research projects that have made major contributions to knowledge of strong, healthy families. The researchers include Herbert Otto; Robert Hill; Stinnett and colleagues; Kantor and Lehr; Lewis, Beavers and the Timberlawn Team; and Olson and McCubbin and Associates. The stated purpose of the review is to provide a concise record of the research itself in order to make it more accessible to interested professionals and policymakers. (LLL)