Why Genealogy?

If you have a passion for genealogy then you're already familiar with the looks you are subject to when approaching family members to talk about family history. Some squirm while others are pressed to change the conversation or look for a chance to escape. All the while I'm thinking, "Why wouldn't you want to know this stuff? After all, they're your family too."

I've taken some time to look a little deeper into this question for myself. What is it about genealogy that is so infectious and drives me to learn more? It wasn't until I was reviewing a pedigree chart that it came to me. As you're likely aware, the pedigree chart (some may know it as a fishbone chart) starts with you and then branches to identify your parents. From there, it branches to their parents and so on and so on. I had a printed copy of the chart and it fell on the floor. When I went to retrieve it, my perspective of the chart shifted and I was looking at it in reverse. Instead of looking at it from the viewpoint of me out to my ancestors, I was now seeing it from my ancestors down to me.

Something 'clicked' in my mind when I realized that this was all a story about me. While most of these people lived before me, a few of them I knew, but most died long before I was born. And now I saw that it funneled down to me. Their choices, their decisions, their struggles, their dreams. All of it brought me to this place, this time and it formed my life. Suddenly a sense of gratitude washed over me. Honoring their memory and their stories was something that I could do as a way to offer my thanks. And finding a way to share those stories with others is the challenge that I am faced with.

Have you thought about your passion for genealogy? When time is your biggest asset, why do you invest so much time into family research? I'd like to hear your reasons for spending time on what you are passionate doing.