Researching Your Family History - More Than Just A Tree

There is an abundance of genealogy sites and books that can help in your search for your families history and ancestry. They can lead you in the direction of finding out names, locations, and even where and they came to America. They can't however tell you what it was really like to live in The Dalton gangs safe house, or to watch your friend get killed in World war II. I have also found that relatives are typically flattered and happy to share. So, all those stories that we may not have wanted to hear when we were kids, listen now.

I remember some wonderful stories, but now, looking back, I wish I would have asked for more. The death of my father has led some of my family wanting to know their roots. I for one, want to be able to tell my son stories of his ancestors and love to brag to my friends about The Dalton gang. I think about my life until now and all of the stories I want to share and to be passed on for lessons or entertainment. I want my descendants to know me-not just where and when I was born and died.

I truly believe that the best, most exciting, and informative way to learn about your ancestry is to ask those that know. You will learn so much more, where you got your sense of humor or your talent for cooking, art, or music. Then share, write it down, tell your friends and your children.

Personal information and stories in addition to the dates, times and locations can really fill in the blanks and answers questions in our lives and make them more real than just a page in a history book or a branch on a tree.