The Beauty of Genealogy
The beauty of genealogy is that anyone with an interest in their family history can dive into this world. As an amateur genealogist, I’ve been researching my family tree, collecting documents, and talking to relatives. My Dad has extended the genealogy baton to me, and I gladly accepted it. Where to begin? Many resources and online tools are available to help beginners get started.
But first, a helpful list.
Tools for Genealogy Success:
- A Keen Ear for Listening: Let them talk. Please give them the floor. The simple act of talking about the past can spark even more memories that someone may have forgotten.
- Curiosity as Your Guide: Begin with a sense of interest, the driving force behind uncovering captivating family stories.
- Accessible World of Genealogy: Genealogy is open to all, regardless of prior experience, making it an accessible journey of discovery.
- Online Resources: Utilize online databases, archives, and genealogy websites to explore historical records and gather essential clues about your ancestry. Start with: Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org, and even Newspapers.com.
- Organizational Tools: Employ helpful charts, tools, and software to keep your research structured and your family tree-building systematic.
- A List of Questions: More on this later…
Listen Up
The best way to ‘do’ genealogy is by listening. In April 2023, the 1950s census was released. My Dad was so excited to see his name in the records. I managed to record our conversation. He could recall so many memories about his childhood just by looking over the list of names. Throughout the summer, I sent him emails with old photos attached, and he would explain the stories behind them. It’s been fun unlocking memories with him.
Every day at my job, I have the privilege of hearing fascinating stories from retired people who’ve come in. Boy, do they have stories to tell! I can tell they want to talk, so I tell them I love listening. The things they’ve seen and experienced could fill volumes.
Write Everything Down
Technology has come a long way. For beginners, genealogy websites and databases, such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org, are invaluable tools for identifying interesting surnames, past occupations, and previous addresses. These online platforms grant access to a wealth of historical records, including census data and immigration records, which provide essential clues to our ancestral pasts. These sites make it so easy to learn. But one of the best things we can do is write everything down. I mention this to the people I listen to at work, and I hope they’re keeping a journal.
A picture is worth a thousand words
I’m a sucker for old photographs, whether of my ancestors or not. Those little sepia-colored paper squares are more valuable to me than money. I can look through my albums numerous times and see something I hadn’t noticed before. There’s so much to learn. I have several favorite photos. They take center stage on a computer screensaver, as a FB profile and a cellphone lock screen.
My essential tip regarding old photos is to scan them in and then scan them in again. Use a high-quality photo scanner that captures all the details. Save to a hard drive and again on a flash drive. If something should ever happen to the original versions, you’re covered.
Our History Is Important
My research has uncovered stories of resilience and determination that have inspired me. My ancestors passed on their strength to me through the pages and pictures of history. The work of genealogy is fascinating, like putting a puzzle together and creating a finished piece of art. But the rewards of genealogy extend far beyond the heart of understanding, enriching our lives in unexpected ways.
Here are 20 questions to ask your extended family. These should help you create a dialog and document your family history. Start now; there’s no time like the present.
One more thing: be sure to grab this printable Family Tree.
Unlocking Family History: 32 Interview Questions
Early Memories:
Can you share some of your earliest memories from your childhood home?
What games or activities did you enjoy when you were young?
Family Traditions:
What are some unique family traditions that have been passed down through generations?
Are there any unique holiday customs or celebrations your family used to have?
Siblings and Cousins:
Can you tell me about your brothers and sisters? What were your relationships like?
Do you have any favorite stories or adventures involving your cousins?
School Days:
What schools did you attend, and what were your favorite subjects or teachers?
Were there any memorable school events or achievements in your life?
Work and Career:
What was your first job, and what did you enjoy most about it?
Can you share stories about your career journey and any challenges you faced?
Romance and Love:
How did you meet your spouse, and what was your first impression of them?
What advice do you have for a successful and lasting marriage?
Parenting and Family Life:
What was it like raising your children? Any memorable parenting moments or lessons learned?
Have you saved any secret family recipes or meals over the years?
Life’s Milestones:
Describe your wedding day. What was the ceremony like, and who attended?
Share memories of the births of your children and other significant life events.
Work and Career:
What was your first job, and what did you enjoy most about it?
Can you share stories about your career journey and any challenges you faced?
Romance and Love:
How did you meet your spouse, and what was your first impression of them?
What advice do you have for a successful and lasting marriage?
Parenting and Family Life:
What was it like raising your children? Any memorable parenting moments or lessons learned?
Have you saved any secret family recipes or meals over the years?
Life’s Milestones:
Describe your wedding day. What was the ceremony like, and who attended?
Share memories of the births of your children and other significant life events.
Travel and Adventures:
Have you traveled to any exciting places? What was your most memorable trip?
Share an adventurous or daring place you’ve been to in your life.
Hobbies and Passions:
What hobbies or activities brought you the most joy and satisfaction?
Did you have any creative pursuits like painting, writing, or music?
Life Lessons and Wisdom:
What valuable life lessons have you learned to pass on to future generations?
Are there any personal philosophies or sayings you live by?
Personal Achievements:
What accomplishments in your life are you most proud of?
Are there any awards or recognition you received that stand out?
