LifeStory Briefs

Why is this important? There are the obvious reasons, of course. That my Grandpa Franklin was an interesting character. That your Great-Aunt Ruth was a pioneer doctor with a repertory of amazing achievements. That the family history can be traced back to the time of William the Conqueror, which means that we must be important people.

But beyond these, there is this: that the more we know about those who went before us, the more we understand about ourselves. That we are who we are because we come from a particular cultural heritage, from a tradition, from a tribe, from a clan. These affiliations may partially explain not just our genetic makeup, but our food, our clothing, the work we do, the way we raise our children, the deity we worship. You won’t solve your personal enigmas by tracing them to your ancestors, but you will at least illuminate them.

Begin With Yourself

Talk to Family Members

But don’t restrict yourself to the facts. Older family members have stories to tell about their own and previous generations. Gather those stories and write them down. Some may be so interesting that they call out for further exploration. Did Great-Great-Grandpa Joe really ride with the Dalton Gang? What really happened to Miss Millie after she ran away from home? Many memoir writers have found that these ancestor tales greatly enhance their own stories.

Do On-Line and Field Research

You can also use your computer to keep track of your findings. Some software is free (www.familysearch.org), some can be purchased (Family Tree Maker, $20). What you need depends on how you plan to use it.

But the Web isn’t the last word in research. Visit your local library’s genealogy collection, and the library in the town where your ancestors lived. Check the county courthouse. Take photos of family homes and family cemeteries. Visit your family’s country of origin.

Focus on Story