WHAT IS FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY?
Did you know that genealogy is one of the FASTEST growing hobbies? More and more people have discovered the joys of genealogy and family history. But what is family history? Why is it so important? Why is it so addicting?
MORE THAN JUST FILLING IN THE BLANKS
Family History is more than just a blank on a pedigree chart. Family history is about really delving in and finding out who your family was, where they came from. Their community, their culture, their experiences, trials, triumphs and their beliefs…that all a part of family history. When you start to delve, you will find more meaning in truly knowing them versus just filling in the blanks.
Knowing your family history can help provide you with connections, and those connections can inspire! Family History takes those genealogy blanks and makes it a real person, with real experiences, it enriches the research.
As human beings we are all a culmination of our life experiences, traditions and stories handed down to us. It makes us who we are. Learning our family history helps us understand others in a more compassionate way. It helps us to keep those memories alive and help mold and shape the next generation. Knowing who we are makes us more confident in our dealings with our fellow man.
UNDERSTAND WHO YOU ARE
September 2017 Rachel Coleman on Familysearch : “The United States celebrates October as National Family History Month and for good reason. Knowing, recording, preserving, and sharing our family histories can provide countless benefits to individuals, families, and entire societies. Family history is more than pedigree charts, censuses, and birthdates. It can be a powerful antidote against adverse life experiences that we face today, giving us a stronger understanding of who we are and motivating us to deepen our roots for generations to come.”
Researching and understanding our Family Heritage is important in preserving family traditions. In todays world many have lost touch with where they come from and long standing family traditions. We go through the drive through instead of sitting around the dinner table. Play on our phone instead of talking to our elders and learning from them. Do you watch food network instead of asking grandma how she made her gravy? We no longer take the time to pass down those recipes and stories. They are becoming lost.
CONNECTING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT
Family History doesn’t just tie you to the past, it can also help you connect to family in the now. You may find as you research, you will be able to connect with family and relatives you didn’t know existed.
We all crave stability and a sense of family and belonging. Family history allows us this access. It allows us a glimpse into what makes us so special and what makes those around us special.
Once you start the journey, it will become a lifelong passion!
