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Genealogy Is Dead-Who Cares?                                                     2016 06 01
Lesson 009...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

A Play At Words...
Genealogy is far from dead.
In fact, it's been dubbed "The second most popular hobby in America!"
So popular that congress has officially declared October as "National Family History Month".

So why haven't we heard about it from our friends?
If you're wondering that, your life may be maturing faster than your friends.
That doesn't mean this is a hobby just for old people, in fact, quite the opposite is true!

It is however, something that those "old people" hold an abundance of "product information" about.
A resource so powerful and already proven to change the world, and in unheard of quantities!

Lifetimes full of knowledge about what works and doesn't work.
All for the low low cost of....Free!...And non-taxable to boot!


Why Care?...
Obviously, if you're reading this, you've already found your reason. I can't beat that.
Whatever your reason(s) is now, it's sure to grow as you progress through the art.
You've probably already seen that all people are connected. So are the reasons.

But what to do about caring is something that can be shared with others in your new discoveries!
As everything in life is, the direction of your choices are up to you, but several things are basic.

That you do what you do is up to you to do how you do it....Got that?
Quite simply, caring is fundamental. You're here, that means you already care.

All that's lacking is a bit of organizational prep work. Nothing you can't handle.
When it dawns on you just how much information there is, and how many people...
Well, then it may be time to rise to a new level. But until that time, stick to the basics.



But Where To Start...
Options. The root of all choices. Without multiples, choice could not exist.
Find out what your options are, compare them to other factors like time, budget, strong points.

Here's a few examples of focusing on strongpoints for your hobby.
Working with what you already know is a lot easier than learning a new method.
There are many more ideas that may come to you later that would fill this page, but here's a start.

Computer Skills...
Whether you're a software-geek or research-savvy, just put it to use!
This is someplace to shine for yourself instead of for sombody else!

If you know methods or good places to find data, make it happen.
Don't be afraid to try new things in your software-If it's bad, click undo!

Genealogy software can be daunting, no doubt.
But just like anything else, "It's easy once you know how".
All it takes to "know how" is practice. Same as any other skill.

Writing...
Do a mini-story on each person in your tree.
Develop a format and follow it for each character.
That way the reader doesn't become lost, disinterested.
They can also quickly compare sheets for names, dates, etc

Road Time...
If your work involves travel, plan some quick cemetery visits along your way.
You need only stay long enough to take a few pictures for looking over information later.
Plan ahead to keep time at a minimum, consult a cemetery list to see if there are several persons.
A scheduled lunch break there may seem unusual to some people, but can be  enlightening to others!

Visiting Relatives...
If you haven't seen a family elder in a while, give them a call to arrange a visit with them!
They may welcome the time and your intrest-Take notebook with pre-written questions of intrest.
Don't overlook this one. It is a primary source available to you for the price of gas to get you there.

Holidays...
Take group pictures-It documents all are alive at this time.
Pairs and group ad a new level of connecting within your tree.
Comparing year-to-year group photos can be interesting as well.
Above all, show up. Even if you don't get pictures, someone might.

Elderly Resources...
Want to brighten someones day?
If you've a family member living within elderly care, drop in on them!
An unexpected visit may prove a bountiful harvest of info, and is well worth the time even if it isn't.

Sometimes we think those left there don't remember or have become delusional.
Consider this...

Elders in rest homes have three major points in their day...
1) Complain about aches and pains to whoever will listen...
2) Talk about their youth and family to whoever will listen (Same people)...
3) Get ready for the next day.

It's a reasonable conclusion that we get good at the the things we practice regularly.
Since they re-live the memories often, you can be sure they're intact even if the rest seems at a loss.
Seen it, lived it, still astounded how quickly the memories sprang back, and every picture was known.

Throw a little variety into their life with a happy face!
Bring them something full of joy, you'll be glad you did!


The Basic Rules...
First...
List as many options as you can think of.
These are the methods of your data collections.

Second...
Select the ones you'll use according to your skills and intrests.
Easy and fun is nice, but a challenge may hold your interest as well.

Third...
You already care. You got this covered. Nothing can beat that, so carry on in triumph!
This is a hobby done by those who have a deeper feeling than most for the people in our past.


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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