Why do genealogy? Depending on your experience and knowledge of genealogy, it might sound daunting or like a walk in the park. Hopefully, with the help of this website, you will find that happy medium between these two extremes. Doing genealogy has become one of the most popular hobbies online.
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Why Alex Haley Does Genealogy
It has been said that genealogy grew as a popular hobby beginning with the 1976 Alex Haley novel, Roots, and the related miniseries aired in 1977. Here is how Mr. Haley answers, “Why do genealogy?”
“Tracing ancestors as far back as possible has brought to many people great satisfaction and pleasure. Even documenting one's family thoroughly for but a few generations can prove just as exciting and fulfilling as a more sketchy documentation across two or three centuries. Each individual ancestral relative previously unknown and genealogically discovered is its own special thrill! No less thrilling is the discovery of records rich with information, which would have remained untouched, which would never have come to light, unless you had gotten caught up in the multiple, magnetic lures of genealogy.”
Alex Haley as quoted on Genealogy.com |
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Why You Should Do Genealogy
Families are not just about today. Someone may have made an effort to change their lifestyle, or come to the country you now live in, just so you could enjoy the fruits of their labors. Doing your genealogy will help you find relatives you did not know existed and increase the family circle you call yours.
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One man discovered a book online wherein he found out that one of his ancestors owned a gold mine (too bad he sold it—it could have been nice inheriting a gold mine). Another found an ancestor that helped settle a town in Kentucky, so now when he may happen to travel through that area it will not be just another dot on the map. Another man discovered that mental illness was a common struggle with his ancestors, and this knowledge encouraged him to teach his children how to recognize and cope. There are many other illnesses that travel the generations. This is another answer to ‘why?’
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A Deep and Indescribable Bond
Genealogy may have a bad image of spending hours in small, hot, dusty rooms going over countless ledger entries just to find that one elusive name. Researching family history is not as bad as all that, although many a long day is spent going through records trying to find anyone from one’s family. Nevertheless there is a deep and indescribable bond that can form between you and your ancestors. Knowing that people related to you lived, struggled, and died the same as you can give you a powerful assertion that you can do it too. By ‘it,’ we mean, live, struggle, succeed, learn from your mistakes, and make a difference in the world.
But It’s Hard and Boring
Not anymore. Online technology has definitely helped out the amateur genealogist. Can everything be done online? No. Will researching family roots online save the hassle of traveling to many out-of-the-way locations? That is a qualified yes. The qualification is that someone must have already travelled to that out-of-the-way location. But with people all over the world interested in genealogy, all you have to do is access it.
How Do I Find Genealogy Online?
This is where this website and others like it come in. We have an extensive family history directory where you will find links to many family history websites. There are plenty of other websites as well. One of the best is Ancestry.com. In fact, try an Ancestry.com Free Trial.  Yes, much genealogy research can be accessed online, and there are many websites that will have what you might need. You may still need to do some footwork by going to local libraries, Family History Centers, and workshops sponsored by a local genealogy society. All of this adventure can start right here. Send your friends here when they ask: “Why do genealogy?”
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