Chronicles of Nana

I have been doing genealogy/family history for several decades. I remember well the days when snail mail and periodic library trips to find research information would bring negative and disappointing results. The results being dismal compared to the expenditures associated with that research….

COMPUTERS A MIRACLE…

I consider the introduction of the computer as a major catalyst in encouraging so many people to logon and explore research now being held in the banks of cyberspace. It is so easy, fun and immediate!

Needless to say, there are literally hundreds of sites available for exploring and finding our family roots. Computers have opened doors for success in researching one’s family and even the beginner in genealogy will find success through the information that is available now.

As time has marched on, sites have been refined, new one’s are continuing to come online and the research process has become much easier.

PRIMARY SOURCE WALK…

That being said, I have a cousin back east who has been into family research for over 25 years. She lives and is surrounded by the areas in which our families have lived. She enjoys the hunt and discovery of finding pertinent primary information amongst the court houses, genealogical societies and libraries in the areas in which our ancestors lived. I envy her ability to do so…

HAVING A GOOD DAY…

Burdened by a stressful family crisis, she took some time to do some leg work recently. She traveled to neighboring counties and walked the cemetaries, visited city halls and court houses. She has done this many times before….

But this time was special because when she called me to report her successes the lift in her voice told me she had a wonderful day, a day she needed very badly. I am grateful for the small town people who are so dedicated to preserving the histories of the past.

Thank you all for giving her such a lovely day!

I get excited when someone gets a desire to really get to know their family through genealogy. To me, it is truly an indication that the past that is long gone still plays an important part in life today. I like the phrase..”what we are, was what they were when.” That means our heritage plays an important part in what we become. I like being connected to the past. I find a sense of purpose and a strong permanance in learning about history and my ancestral past.

WHO AM I?

In my growing up years I had very little family about me and I have always been curious about “who I was and where did I come from?” Having no close extended living relatives I naturally showed interest in genealogy. I had a desire to know so much more and unfortunately my parents early deaths closed the doors of discovery for me.

IT’S A JOURNEY…

I have been gathering my family history for over 30 years. Times have changed- as usual. Used to be a long process that required alot of time to chase down birth, marriage and death records.’Hurry up and wait’ was the standard slogan when gathering genealogical facts and documents…not to mention the money spent on them and the disapointment that sometimes came with them.

HURRAY FOR COMPUTERS…

So…when the computer came online, it was a modern day miracle for would-be genealogists. I jumped online about 8 years ago and haven’t turned my computer off since…I still have so many sites to explore and search.

COMPUTER CHALLENGED??

Now…don’t tell me about being computer challenged…been there- done that!! I even left my world of employment because computers were being installed… just get yourself a nice computer and get your kids or grandchildren to show you how to use it. They will, you know…

LEARN EMAIL…

First, get on the internet and learn how to email. Once you discover you won’t break the keyboard or blow up the monitor you will find that you can actually get a feel for it….and your typing gets much better as well.

I really like the email thing….I don’t write letters much anymore which I think is a shame. There is an art to good letter writing and I hate to see it lost. Email is instant communications, my cousin and I can burn the internet all day with genealogy information and assignments for each other. I would love to just email all my family on a continuous basis so I know all is well with them!

GOOGLE IT…

I have learned there are hundreds of websites that specialize in some sort of genealogy. Go into google and inquire under “free genealogy websites” and you are off to the races. Then try “genealogy websites” and you will find more than you can ever imagine.

The tride and true website for genealogy is www.familysearch.org- it is hosted by the LDS Church and, of course, they are the leaders in genealogical research. Their current site is in the throughs of remodeling with major changes in the air. Look for a more user- beginner friendly site soon…

I have a gut feeling that genealogical accessibility  on the internet will be expanding. The old reliable gen websites will get better and the new websites will be concentrated and easier to use.

CAUTIONS…

Be careful as your explore the sites as some require fees whose charges are not cheap. Take the time to see if you can get the same kinds of information from the ‘Free’ sites. Sometimes you can go to 3 or more sites and get the same information free of charge!

For me, the computer and genealogy go hand in hand. I firmly believe in primary and secondary sources much of which need to be gathered from courthouses, government intities and various legal agencies. But the information received from the genealogical websites offer a great roadmap to such verification.

I am still somewhat computer challenged. I have not learned all I can know…I know the brick walls I hit in my research is from my own ignorance. They say you can not teach an old dog new tricks…..

I don’t think so…

Jump aboard and discover cyerspace!!

Whoof..whoof…

                             

I have been interested in family history for a very long time. Primarily because I have never had alot of family about me. I have no siblings…it was just my Mom and Dad and me- the three musketeers!

DISCOVERING THE PAST…

After having a family of my own I had a yearning to discover more…. I was being asked questions from my children I could not answer. Besides these were questions I also wanted answers to..too!

WHAT ARE THE FACTS..?

Genealogy is the gathering of facts concerning  family members; name, birth and place, marriage date and place and death date and place. These are the simple details but more pertinent details usually come to light once one gets into researching.

START WITH YOURSELF…

If someone has a desire to begin a family history it is best to start with yourself and immediate family group. List all members of one family with a listing of the simple details. Do a family grouping for yourself, your parents, your grandparents and so forth…

THE INTERNET…

The internet major genealogical websites have downloadable forms that can be printed to make this step easier. Get as much information as possible from your memory, call relatives who might provide further enlightment and then, become familiar with your computer and learn the tutorials available that can increase your knowledge concerning the procedures in research. The website at www.familysearch.org is very helpful and can start your search process easily. However, most major gen websites also have information concerning training and research and would be worth your while to explore them. You can never have too much information…

GET THE STORIES…

But…regardless if you wish to get into the detailed research process or not, please consider making an effort to interview your older relatives and get the family stories. Stories bring to life all the hard cold facts. They put purpose into the lives of those who have gone before. It brings a clearer identity to who you are…

FOR THE CHILDREN…

Your children and great grandchildren will delight in the photographs, journals, letters and video / audio recordings that will be passed down to them.

Family history is an on-going process- it’s not the destination but the journey….

So…ENJOY THE RIDE!!!

One of the more important aspect of genealogy and family history is record keeping. There is alot of paper work; group sheets, pedigrees, journals, certificates, histories, research logs and statistical information and much more.

WHERE TO SEARCH AND GETTING ORGANIZED…

Following are several areas of interest needed in order to create order!

1. Using the Family History Library Collection- Recognized as the largest collection of family history materials in the world. Go to www.familysearch.org and discover what is available and become familiar with the Family History Library Catalog. If you have a chance to attend this library(Salt Lake City,Utah) in person do some pre-assessments. Study the catalog to see what you might want to look up. Make a logical list of things you wish to do and find. Bring change so you can make copies and purchased food from vending machines in the snack room. Check the website in advance to see what training classes will be taught while you are there. Obtain a library map online so you can track your location needs, this library has four floors. Create a plan…and make notes so you won’t have to repeat your tracks when you return. Many library patrons bring a small rolling suitcase in which to caring their research binders and notebooks and lunch. Every floor has an information desk manned with genealogy specialists to whom you can ask questions. Each floor has banks of computers available to use. Keep your plan manageable, success comes in small steps- be realistic! Realize there are over 3,000 Family History Centers around the world- check your local area.

2. One of the best ways to organize your information is a computer database program. These programs cut down on the tremendous amount of paperwork. Those who do not have a computer are asking for alot more time in man hours with their genealogy projects. Paf (personal ancestal file) is available free to download from www.familysearch.org. It is a fill-in-the-blanks type of format and creates a permanent file of information that can be readily updated. There are other commerically available computer programs also.

3. Having a personal computer allows you to research online. The internet offers hundreds of family history related websites. One of the best resources now available…and it saves on gas! Go to a genealogy portal and find hundreds of websites to choose from- whether it be surname search engines, military- government files, map-location information or state-county histories…and so much more!

4. There are hundreds of printed materials…transcripts, abstracts, indexes, directories, gazetteers, and how-to manuals available in libraries. All of these published materials make research easier and faster. So many of them are available online as well.

5. In the old days all family histories were hand written…one of the most valuable tools now available are copy machines. Fast and relatively inexpensive- what is your time worth? Once you have copies, file them where you can find them. Filing cabinets and a good filing system is a must!

6. Seek out a local genealogical society- for over 150 years these groups have made a significant contribution to family history. These societies preserve records, share that information and can provide instruction to learn genealogical tasks better. To find a society of interest in your research begin with the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS).

7.Census records- the US Federal and State Census Records are the best roadmap to track your American ancestors. Most of these census are available online. Seek and ye shall find…

8. Learn about message boards on the internet. Here is where you can inquire for ancestral information from others who are researching your family lines. The major genealogical websites have message boards available. Make sure the messages you post to the internet only contain information that you are ready to share with everyone. Be concise in your message..who,where,what and why. Most message boards have guidelines, become familiar with them.

MANAGEABLE STEPS….

Remember to keep your research in manageable steps- going from one statistical to another. Start your history with yourself and work backwards. Contact living relations for information. Fill out family group sheets and file them in some sort of organized system. Expore the internet and become familiar with what is available online. Make use of message boards and forums to communicate with others. Be willing to share your information.

The www.familysearch.org website is into a major reconstruction at this time. It will become more user friendly especially for beginners. There appears to be major overhauls to some of the other main genealogy sites as well. The future will offer greater resources and bring more success to those who seriously want to seek their roots!

I believe that at some point in one’s life there is usually a need to discover the ancestors. I think we all desire a connection to the past. I was not privileged to know my extended family in this life so I have tried to get to know them better through genealogy…

WHAT..?

Basically genealogy is the gathering of primary sources to one’s ancestors. In other words, building a family tree. Delving into this interest can be more than a hobby…it can become a motivating factor for excessive research and gathering of facts, thus becoming quite addictive!

TO BEGIN….

The best way to begin is to start with yourself and work backwards. I have found adding the software “paf” onto my computer is a good starting point. It allows you to systematically organize your data in a program that originated from the LDS Church who happens to be the leader in genealogical data and research. Paf is available free to download on the Church website at www.familysearch.org. Having paf on your computer gives you an electronic data filing system.

GENEALOGICAL FORMS…

Now, that you have an electronic filing system in place, it’s time to get to compiling the facts. To do this you must become familiar with “family group sheets” and “pedigree charts.” These and various other forms can be downloaded from the above website or at other major genealogical websites on the internet.

On these forms you will enter the facts as you know them…starting with your own immediate family first. Each family has their own separate group sheet and each sheet will have the spaces for the information needed. If you do not know all the required info then do the following:

+ Look about your home for information.

+ Call and interview family members for information.

+ Look for previous research other people may have done.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR….

Items to seek within your home may be; Bibles, books, certificates, diaries or day planners, family trees, photo albums, important papers (wills,titles,deeds), letters, clippings,resumes, school papers, scrapbooks, yearbooks and more.

FACTS…

Compile basic information which is Name, birth date and place, Marriage date and place and death date and place. This is the basic statistical information but always make note of other stats if found like military service, fraternal organizations, church affiliations, community services and pertinent offices held.

THE MEMORIES AND STORIES…

The most neglected area in genealogy is families histories…..The Stories! Older living relatives become very important in this area. Seek your family out and record as many stories as you can. Interview questions can be found in a past post in this computer journal.

WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE..?

Seek out those who may already be working on your family lines. Inquire within your extended family, surf the internet genealogical websites under your surname, look for surname forums and message board queries under your surname, state, county and city.

FINDING SUCCESS…

Computers were made for genealogy…there are many websites available to explore. The major sites like www.genealogy.com. www.rootsweb.com, www.ancestry.com and www.familysearch.org carry genealogy tutorials for the beginner and intermediate family history buff. The great thing about the computer is that you can do research in your jammies and at all hours of the day or night!

JOIN THE EXCITEMENT….

I think any long-term participate in genealogy feels a surging excitement in the air concerning future improvements and technical advancements in this field. Research and organization will continue to become easier for the beginner.

I recommend genealogy as a rewarding hobby….getting to know your ancestors is getting to know yourself..

Enjoy the journey…..

“The Tree”

Life wasn’t always easy;

But she never did complain;

though I saw her shed a leaf or two,

When cold November’s came.

 

How her arms spread wide

And welcomed any weary nesting soul;

Vast numbers took their comfort there,

In spring and winter’s snow.

 

When August sun’s beat down on me,

I rested ‘neath her shade;

And warmed myself in winter

With the firewood she gave.

 

Played beneath the shelter

Of her strong and sturdy limbs;

Swung from her branches happily

With all my childhood friends.

 

In her bark, I carved initials

Of those sweethearts long forgot;

From her branches, hang my metals,

And hide my secrets in her knots.

 

From her seed, I grew an orchard,

In her leaves I made a bed;

And when I thought to give up…

Her trunk spoke, “forge ahead!”

 

I gaze now through her branches,

Far past where eyes can see;

And every bough uncovered,

Tells that much more of ME!

 

And I proudly bear the markings

Of her awesome history;

Oh, she started but a seedling…

And became my family tree.

 

~Author Unknown~

 

You know you’re an “Addicted” Genealogist…

* when you brake for libraries.

* if you get locked in a library overnight and you never even notice.

* when you hyperventilate at the sight of an old cemetery.

* if you’d rather browse in a cemetery than a shopping mall.

* when you think every home should have a micofilm reader.

* if you’d rather read census schedules than a good book.

* when you know every town clerk in your state by name.

* if town clerks lock the doors when they see you coming.

* when you’re more interested in what happened in 1697 than 2007.

* if you stored your clothes under the bed and your closet is carefully stacked with notebooks and journals.

* if you can pinpoint Harrietsham, Hawkhurst and Kent on a map of England, but you can’t locate Topeka, Kansas.

* when all your correspondence begins with ” Dear Cousin”.

* If you’ve traced every one of your ancestral lines back to Adam and Eve, have it all fully documented, and still don’t want to quit.

*

Come look with me inside this drawer,

In this box I’ve often seen,

At the pictures, black and white,

Faces proud, still, serene.

I wish I knew the people,

These strangers in the box,

Their names and all their memories

are lost among my socks.

I wonder what their lives were like,

How did they spend their days?

What about their special times?

I’ll never know their ways.

If only someone had the time

To tell who, what, where or when,

These faces of my heritage

Would come to life again.

Could this become their fate

Of the pictures we take today?

The faces and the memories

Someday to be passed away?

Make time to save your stories,

Seige the opportunity when it knocks,

Or someday you and yours could be

The stranger in the box..

How many times have you picked up that dusty old journal grandpa wrote during his mission? Most of us have a desire to know more about our ancestors…it is only natural to be curious about the times in which they lived and how they viewed the world about them. These old journals become family treasures handed down from generation to generation.

EXPRESS YOURSELF…

A journal can be whatever you choose it to be…a running narrative, a eye witness to current events, a life’s story. Journals can express thoughts, observations, and the intermost feelings of the writer. There is no set formula or pattern. It is whatever you want it to be. Below are ten principles in keeping an on-going journal:

1. Allow yourself regular writing time.

2. Provide yourself a peaceful place to write.

3. Develop a centering ritual..create an atmosphere of self-nurturing.

4. Prompt yourself with a routine self-reflection question…I want; I need; What is…

5. Write because you want to write. Do not demand more of yourself than you can give.

6. Create a positive feedback loop. Discovering you own hidden depths stimulates you to continue.

7. Emphasize process rather than product. Keep the flow of words rather than worry about the end result.

8. Use well crafted computer software or write with your own hand- personalize when possible.

9. Learn from your own experiences. Use the objectivity of time to review your life.

10. Enjoy..have fun! Your journal will become another one of your good friends- one who is always available and has time to listen attentively!!

WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT…?

Follow the questions in “Genealogy..Interviewing Questions” seen among the previous posts in this computer journal. Also consider writing about birthdays, baby blessings, showers, engagements, weddings and anniversaries.

Try expressing your thoughts on temple sealings and priesthood ordinances. Write about the first day of school, baptisms, blessings, and graduations. What do you think about holiday celebrations, death, funerals and healing the sick? How can you express your thoughts concerning your love for family, your surroundings and performing daily tasks?

A content list can include the following;

Faith during trials.

Your testamony and understanding of the gospel.

Glimpses into the lives of others.

Missions

Spiritual promptings.

Write every official act of your life; make note of those you baptise, confirm, ordain, bless and administer to.

Include special church activites and leaders you have known, met or work with.

Write concerning significant emotional events and faith promoting experiences.

Discuss the teachings and examples of your parents and relatives.

Note sibling interaction- the good and the bad!

Include failures and successes that teach.

Write about vacations, travels and world events that have affected you.

Count your blessings.

Discuss what time has taught you and those you admire the most.

Relate your community and church service.

Write about your continuing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Witness and testify and seal your testamony onto your posterity.

Journaling can be very rewarding and can be an extension of your personal feelings and observations. You will reap benefits in doing so and your children and grandchildren will one day pause and reflect upon your thoughts and expressions. It is so much better than becoming “just a statistic” on a tombstone…!!

Questions for Family History Interviews
What to Ask the Relatives

1. What is your full name? Why did your parents select this name for you? Did you have a nickname?
2. When and where were you born?
3. How did your family come to live there?
4. Were there other family members in the area? Who?
5. What was the house (apartment, farm etc.) like? How many rooms, bathrooms? Did it have electricity, indoor plumbing or telephones?
6. Where there any special items in the house that you remember?
7. What is your earliest childhood memory?
8. Describe the personalities of your family members.
9. What kind of games did you play growing up?
10. What was your favorite toy and why?
11. What was your favorite thing to do (movies, beach etc.)?
12. Did you have family chores? What were they? Which was your lest favorite?
13. Did you receive an allowance? How much? Did you save your money or spend it?
14. Who was your oldest relative you knew when growing up?
15. What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects? Where did you attend grade school? High School? College?
16. What school activities and sports did you participate in ?
17. Do you remember any fads from your youth? Popular hairstyles? Clothes?
18. What was your first car and how much did you pay for it?
19. Who were your childhood heroes?
20. What were your favorite songs and music?
21. Did you have any pets? If so, what kind and what were their names?
22. Do you have some memorable church experiences?
23. Were you ever mentioned in the newspaper?
24. Who were your friends when you were growing up?
25. What world events had the most impact on you while you were growing up? Did any of them personally affect your family?
26. Describe a typical family dinner- did you eat together? Who did the cooking? What were your favorite foods?
27. How were holidays( birthdays, Christmas etc.) celebrated in your family? Did your family have special traditions?
28. How is the world different from what it was like when you were a child?
29. What was your first paying job? How much were you paid?
30. What stories have come down to you about your parents? Grandparents? More distant relatives?
31. Are there any stories about famous or infamous relatives in your family?
32. Have any recipes been passed down to you from family members?
33. What is the full name of your spouse? Siblings? Parents?
34. When and how did you meet your spouse? What did you do on dates?
35. When and where did you get married?
36. What memory stands out the most from your wedding day?
37. How would you describe your spouse and what do you most admire about him/her?
38. What do you consider to be the key to a successful marriage?
39. How did you find out you were going to be a parent for the first time?
40. What has been your proudest moment as a parent?
41. What did your family enjoy doing together?
42. What is the best advise you can give about parenthood?
43. What was your profession and how did you choose it?
44. If you could have any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn’t it your first choice?
45. Of all the things you have learned from your parents, which do you feel was the most valuable?
46. What accomplishments were you most proud of?
47. What is the one thing you most want people to remember about you?
48. If you could give one piece of advise concerning life, what would it be?
49. What do you wish for your grandchildren?
50. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
51. Do you have any regrets? What are they?
52. What experience would you like to live over?
53. Who would you have liked to meet in your lifetime? Why?
54. If you were to invent something, what would it be?
55. If you could change something, what would it be?
56. In one word, what best describes you?
57. What is the most special memory you have?
58. What is your current dream?
59. What advise would you give to the youth today?
60. Sum up your life in a couple sentences.

Tips:
Schedule interview time in advance.
Let your relative know what kinds of questions that will be asked.
Bring supplies- pens- paper, recorder, video with extra tapes and batteries.
Make note in writing- date/time, place and interviewee’s name.
Ask questions that encourage more than yes/no answers
Be a good listener- do not interrupt needlessly.
Consider the length of the interview- 1-2 hours max.