Why Genealogy?

My genealogy origin story

I began tracing my family tree nearly forty years ago. I initially was interested in what my late father was doing. He was an old school researcher who had a paper pad and a box of index cards. The research was done by writing to people or on holidays visiting the areas that ancestors lived, and it was done in research centres where everyone was as quiet as a mouse scrolling away on microfiche readers and making pencil notes.

Sometimes it was done in graveyards, where we discovered the grave of my GGG Grandmother who had exactly the same name as me, middle name and all. Somewhere in a box of photos there will be an image of the ten year old Susan stood next to the gravestone. I can’t remember exactly what my thoughts were at the time, but I do remember a strange feeling in my tummy.

My friend the internet

As time went by and I got a computer and moved on from the old AOL internet to the age of broadband, I came across some genealogy software, if I remember rightly the first program I used was Gramps. I borrow Dad’s notebook and box of cards and added it all into the application and decided to see what else I might be able to find.

So many online resources

Once I got cracking I discovered so many resources. At that point I couldn’t afford a subscription but discovered community projects and staples such as FreeBMD, FreeReg and FreeCen. Probably within a month I had doubled the research that Dad had managed to do over a five year period.

The Family Genealogist

Pretty much from that moment on I became the family genealogist and my Dad and later, when I tackled her side of the tree, my Mum, simply showed an interest in what i had found. We also had a few Genealogy holidays together. In Cornwall where a big chunk of Dad’s paternal line is from and in Essex hoping to find out more about his illusive maternal line.

Genealogical Apps

Over the years since then I have used at least three other software packages looking for the perfect tool for me. There will be information about them on the Apps page, where I talk about the features of different applications, how useful they are and why I love them, or don’t.

Useful websites

On the Websites Page there will be details of useful websites I have found to help me along my genealogical way. There is that strange diving between what is an app and what is a website, but Genealogy is one of those topics where there is a very clear divide. The nature of the subject coincidentally attracts many on-line resources where the websites are built using dated technology.

Why is Genealogy so popular

Over the years since I have been researching I have seen a rise in the numbers of people interested in finding out about their ancestors. I think one reason might be because the state of modern living is so rapidly changing that more people feel that years to know more about their past rather than just hurtling to their future.

Interestingly I had a conversation with ChatGPT about the subject of why Genealogy may be so popular. I don’t know who she has been talking to (mine is a she, although I haven’t named her yet, I’m sure as some point I will, much like Alexa has a name.) I think she had some really good ideas, so much so that I am going to share her thoughts below.

What ChatGPT had to say about Genealogy

The enjoyment of genealogy can be attributed to a variety of psychological, emotional, and social factors:

1. Connection to Ancestry: Exploring genealogy provides a way to connect with one’s roots, understanding where one comes from and the stories of their ancestors. This sense of continuity can provide a deeper understanding of personal identity and a connection to history.
2. Sense of Identity: Learning about one’s ancestors and their experiences can contribute to a stronger sense of identity. Understanding the cultural, ethnic, and geographic origins of one’s family can help individuals develop a clearer sense of self.
3. Curiosity and Discovery: Humans are naturally curious, and genealogy offers the opportunity to uncover hidden stories, mysteries, and long-forgotten tales. The process of discovery can be exciting and intellectually stimulating.
4. Storytelling: Genealogy often involves piecing together narratives from historical records, family stories, and other sources. This storytelling aspect can be engaging and fulfilling, especially when it results in creating a coherent family history.
5. Connection to History: Genealogy provides a personal link to history. It allows individuals to contextualize their family’s experiences within larger historical events, helping to make history feel more personal and relatable.
6. Emotional Connections: The act of researching and discovering information about ancestors can evoke strong emotions. Learning about challenges they faced, successes they achieved, and the lives they lived can be emotionally moving.
7. Sense of Belonging: By connecting with distant relatives or finding commonalities with ancestors, individuals can feel a sense of belonging to a broader community, even if that community spans generations.
8. Preserving Heritage: Many people engage in genealogy to preserve their family’s heritage for future generations. This act of preservation is often motivated by a desire to ensure that the stories and legacies of ancestors are not lost over time.
9. Challenge and Problem-Solving: Genealogy requires research, critical thinking, and detective work to piece together a family history. This challenge can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
10. Connection to Others: Genealogy can foster connections with living relatives, distant cousins, and fellow genealogists who share a common interest. Sharing information and collaborating on research can create a sense of community.
11. Personal Growth: Engaging in genealogy can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. It encourages individuals to learn new skills, develop patience, and overcome obstacles in their research.

In summary, genealogy offers a multifaceted appeal that combines personal discovery, storytelling, emotional connections, historical context, and a sense of belonging. It allows individuals to explore their past, understand their place in the world, and build connections with both their heritage and other enthusiasts.

Until next time
Susan