A Nice Little Niche

Even if I could find all the relevant official records digitized on the Internet, would that be enough? No! Conducting genealogical research isn’t just getting the dates and places and full names for vital events; it’s about the quest and the thrill of “the find.”

I want to walk the fields my ancestors plowed (assuming they haven’t been paved). I want to spend time sitting under a tree at the edge of a battlefield where my ancestor fought and perhaps died. I want to spend time at the cemetery, taking a moment to appreciate the lives of those who put loved ones in the ground there.

I swear I am not a romantic about this. Learning about reality is much more powerful and moving. So take my advice, don’t get wrapped up in how many names you collect for your database. Take the time to make some real discoveries: the awe and appreciation for lives that led to you.

From Sharon Tate Moody’s article “It takes details to bring your ancestors to life” in the Tampa Tribune, May 24th, 2009.