We make mistakes. We all make mistakes, but there is one mistake that haunts many family historians. Unfortunately, when it comes to family history, many people don’t even realize they’re making the mistake. Before we get into the mistake (and the fix), let’s address: what is family history precisely?
Difference between Family History and Genealogy
The terms get tossed about interchangeably; however, the two terms describe different approaches, processes, and motivations.
Genealogy focuses research around dated facts. Genealogy is the study of dates, events, birth certificates, and other facts used in an effort to identify and create pedigree or family tree charts and databases. Family History, on the other hand, relates to the stories, the emotions, the passions, and the lives of the people behind the dates, events, and so forth. Family History breathes life in to the cold hard dates and facts, or it should…
The Big Mistake
This brings us to the #1 Mistake. The #1 Mistake is failing to act now. In other words, it’s that slinky, slippery beast called Procrastination. Just as we all make mistakes, we all tend to procrastinate. But why mark procrastination as the #1 Mistake that costs family historians so dearly?
The Constraint
Your Family History has a time limit. As the computer and technological word advances it becomes easier and easier to research Genealogy (the dates, events, and census records). Family History, however, captures the stories, feelings, and experiences of your family members, and unfortunately, the older generation doesn’t stick around forever. The window of opportunity to document Family History closes a little bit further each day.
If your grandparents, or even great grandparents, are living, how much of their lives and story have been recorded? How much time do you have left before their wealth of experience is gone?
The Easy Fix
The solution is quite easy: Act Now.
If you wait too much longer, the Family History information you’d like to collect may be lost forever. Follow the steps below to start acting now:
1. Set a time to meet with your oldest living relative.
2. Explain that you value their experience and want to help pass on what they have learned and experienced in life.
3. Use a video camera, voice recorder, or paper and pen to record what you discuss.
4. Ask questions to get the ball rolling. Asking, “tell me about your life,” just doesn’t seem to generate the same in depth material. Below are some helpful hints.
Questions to ask your Relative
* What are some of the lessons you’ve learned about work (or money, relationships, school, etc.)?
* What were some of the scariest moments of your life?
* What do you take satisfaction in having done in your life?
* Tell me about your spouse.
* Tell me about your parents.
* Tell me about your grandparents.
* Who or what has had a profound influence on your life?
* What are some of the most enjoyable things you’ve done?
* What advice do you have for the coming generation?
These questions and others you create will breathe life into your Family History research and if started early will help you overcome the #1 Mistake that most fall for.
So get out that pen, paper, or voice recorder, and set that appointment!
Tags: history and genealogy