“History is Life – Genealogy is the details.”
Welcome to the world of genealogy!
Going from wanting to know about your family, to being able to find that information is an orderly and fulfilling process. Charting a family tree is a fascinating pastime and once you get involved, you are said to have been bitten by the “Genie Bug” for which there is no known cure.
The status of genealogy is no longer relegated to that of a lesser servant of history. Genealogy and history are now recognized as inseparable. In fact, we may find ourselves becoming knowledgeable historians through our research, but that is just one of the pluses of genealogy.
• What is genealogy?
The dictionary tells us genealogy is the study of family descent. What the dictionary doesn’t tell us is genealogy is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States today.
Putting together a family history involves many strategies, sources and people. This process of finding your family is called genealogy – a fascinating, rather addictive hobby.
Family research is one of the most interesting, pleasurable and gratifying pastimes you can have. In 10 generations, you will find 1,023 direct ancestors. This is part of the fascination of genealogy: It is never finished.
During the 1970s, genealogy and family history received a boost from the nation’s bicentennial celebration and Alex Haley’s “Roots,” that engendered interest and enthusiasm by more people than ever before. In the 1990s an even larger surge of interest was sparked with the advent of the Internet. It’s hard to imagine genealogy is still considered a fad by some people.
• Why ‘do’ genealogy?
Heritage has become popular in recent years. Perhaps it’s some sort of security blanket people look to in the face of all frustration and stresses of modern life. Passing this information on to your children and/or relatives will get you more than your money’s worth in personal satisfaction.
Other reasons for “doing” genealogy are an interest in the lives of one’s forbearers, curiosity about where they came from; religious beliefs; medical reasons, such as a genetic disposition to certain diseases; to qualify for a lineage or heritage society membership; and wanting to do something that will be remembered. Some are driven to find their birth parents after learning they are adopted.
• Who ‘does’ genealogy?
Some people collect stamps or coins. Others collect ancestors. More women than men are interested in genealogy. Senior citizens and retired people get as much enjoyment from collecting ancestors as young people do; maybe even more. They usually have more of the most important prerequisite for this hobby; time. In fact, genealogy today could be called the sport of the older generation, since so many people are enriching their senior years by working at it. It’s natural for older people to be interested in family since it seems to have more meaning as one ages.
However, PCs and the Internet have evened the playing field between the generations by allowing almost anyone with an interest in genealogy to access billions of records, at anytime of day or night without leaving their home. This is called “armchair genealogy” and is research at its best.
The Internet has fueled the growth because it simplifies the process of finding information and connecting with individuals who share a common branch in their family tree. With more than 8 billion records online and more becoming available, it is easier than ever for people to find their ancestors, and discover the stories and details of their lives.
I learn something new almost every time I use the Internet. It’s amazing how much is there and readily available. This does not mean traditional methods of research, i.e. reading microfilm, traveling to courthouses, archives, or visiting libraries, are passé. Not every record is on the Internet nor is all information found there valid. But you will be missing out on accessing scads of useful information and many free sources without the expense of travel or being restricted by the facility’s open hours.
•Amateur or Professional?
Most of us who do genealogy are considered amateur genealogists and are usually concerned with our own family research, while the main task of a professional or certified genealogist is the tracing of pedigrees for clients.
And while here is nothing more interesting or enjoyable than being able to do your own research, there may be occasions when due to lack of time or just the distance from the records/resources, you need help. This may be the time to call a professional.
• What resources do I need?
The first thing you’ll need is plenty of time. Researching, traveling, organizing, planning, compiling and writing require a sizable time investment.
Money is another necessary resource. As an amateur genealogist, never expect your research to pay for itself or to make a profit on it, much less to break even. Genealogical research can be costly, but then there are expenses involved with almost any hobby one chooses. Most seniors have both resources and are at a place in their lives where they want to pass on a heritage to their children and/or relatives.
• The Rewards
The rewards you gain in understanding your own and your country’s origins are immeasurable. Great personal insights can result from your research and you will meet many people along the way.
You become acquainted with a number of distant relatives during your data collection. It can take you to new lands and places through studying and writing. You will also broaden your knowledge of history, geography, law, customs, and life in general.
The following articles in this column will give you ideas of how to gather, record, preserve and then share that information about those who have gone before you.
One of my favorite roles in the genealogy world is writing about it and sharing my thoughts with others on this wonderful and fascinating obsession. Not only that, I’ve met some of the nicest people along the way.
Watch for my next column: “Getting Started.”
Carllene Marek has been chasing ancestors for more than 25 years and chasing her muse for many more. A second-generation Californian, she has helped with several computer user groups, family associations and genealogical and historical societies. She has also compiled numerous indexes for assorted publications and written book reviews for various historical and genealogical publications.
Carllene currently writes a monthly newspaper column, “AncestreeSeekers” for the Chico Enterprise Record and the Oroville Mercury Register. She and her husband live in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California with a blended family of eight children, 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
