What does Family History mean to you?

What does family history mean to you?

For many people, recording family history is a way of honouring our ancestors.

We write down their names and important dates such as birth and marriage in charts for posterity.

More importantly, we tell their story.   We preserve their portraits.  We hang onto material items which were left behind as they remind us of them.

Many of our ancestors were poor, and struggled to put food on the table.  Some had to flee their home country.   Some became successful and were important members of society.   The rest were common folks, working everyday, raising families and making memories.  They are all have a legacy to preserve.

I like to see my ancestors in their historical context. 

My grandfather Arness worked for the Rural Electrification Administration during the Roosevelt Presidency.  Imagine a time when most of rural USA did not have electricity or running water.  This initiative was part of the “New Deal” which created jobs and modernized the country. 

Later in life, he joined the Quaker church and took part in protests against the Vietnam War.   He was well-read, kind and polite.

His father was an “ardent Socialist” and worked tirelessly for the cause during the early 1900’s in the American Mid-West.   This must have been an exciting time, when unions were new and workers rights were being recognized.

My maternal grandfather was a writer and historian.  He always encouraged me do the same.

What do you think of when you are asked about your family history?