Genealogists come in all shapes and sizes. Genealogy is a fascinating hobby because it combines logical thinking and detective work to unpuzzle a twisted family tree. Some have been “doing genealogy” for more than 30 years. Some of us started by writing letters to various court clerks to ask for marriage records. Some of us started by writing letters to elderly family members who preserved the family history and legacy. Some became interested in genealogy more
recently with the advent of DNA testing.
Some are trying to solve the mystery of their biological parents or grandparents. Some are artists who are creating beautiful family trees to share with family. Some are writers who are preserving their research in stories of family history that their descendants can enjoy. Some are trying to verify their ancestors’ military support of American Revolution.
Today we have wonderful tools to help us in our studies. We have online databases such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org as well as My Heritage and Finding My Past. We have software on our computers that enables us to
record information and automatically create reports and family trees. We also have various DNA testing options.
We have organizations that sponsor speakers and classes that enable us to enhance our skills and develop our research capabilities. Many have a long history of supporting the study, craft and science of genealogy.
There’s a place for each of us in genealogy. Some are deep into the scientific study of DNA. Take what you enjoy about genealogy – art, science, research, detective work, writing — whatever. – and expand your experience in that area. There is no one path to success or enjoyment. Seek out the classes, study groups and organizations that will enhance your pleasure in this amazing hobby of genealogy.
Carol Darrow teaches a free Beginning Genealogy class on Zoom on the second Saturday of each month from 10 am – noon. Sign up at cogensoc.us to register.