07 Family History Minute -- A Genealogical Gift Idea
 
Episode 07 -- A Genealogical Gift
 
Family History Minute Podcast 07
Monday, November 27, 2006
FHM ep 7 seg 1 Hello and welcome to the 7th episode of the FHM podcast. Sorry this episode is a little late, I'll blame it on Thanksgiving. Episode 7 will be a little shorter than the others, because I want to take just one idea today and see what you can do with it. But, before we get there I want to report that I've received enough email from people reporting where their ancestors are from that I can put together the map that will record all of the countries represented by listeners. I'll try to post the map this week and then will update it as time goes on. So, soon the www.familyhistoryminute.com website will have two maps: one that shows where listeners are listening from, and one that shows the countries that listeners' ancestors are from. You (and your ancestors) can be included on one or both maps by sending the information to FHMFeedback@gmail.com. Feel free to email anytime! Also, I wanted to include portions of an email i received here a few weeks ago that described exactly what I hope this podcast generates. With the permission of Betty, here are a few parts of her email: "I just came across your podcast and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. I've been needing a kick-start to get going on my research again and hope that listening to others talk about research will get me going again. I was so surprised mid-way through your pc to hear you mention you have ancestors from the Isle of Man. My g-gf and his siblings came over from there in the last half of the 18th century. I was fortunate enough to be able to go over for a visit several years ago and I can highly recommend a trip. .... While making plans for the trip, I "met" some distant cousins, one of whom used to be an executive with the ferry service and he surprised me by having me paged to the bridge during my crossing, where I met the ship's captain, was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship, and was treated like royalty. There's nothing like walking in the steps of your ancestors to get a feel for what life was like. ...One of the most memorable moments of the trip was as I was walking along a dirt road toward the ruins of the chapel where my ancestors had worshipped and it suddenly struck me that many generations of my relations must have walked the same path. When I entered the ruins of the chapel, although I was all alone out there, I felt so surrounded by family it's hard to describe. A few moments later I climbed up a small hill and was treated to the most beautiful site of the late afternoon sun on the Irish sea. My family came here because it was either emigrate or starve. Having seen and felt the beauty and peace of the island, I think I could understand just a little of the sorrow they must have felt leaving home forever. ... Well, much more than you asked for, but I wanted to express my appreciation for the podcast. I've just listened to the most recent one but I will be downloading and enjoying the earlier ones -- and perhaps I'll get back to work on my own research! Betty ... Betty...thanks so much for this email. You have described perfectly what I hope to generate in people as they listen to the podcast. The connection you felt with your ancestors describes what many genealogists say keeps them researching. The connection. That, in part, is what it is all about. Ok, on to the idea... // 2 All around the world people are preparing to celebrate holidays. And, many of these holidays carry with them traditions the have to do with gift giving. So, the idea I'd like to share is a gift giving idea. We've spent a lot of time trying to connect with our heritage and ancestry, but this idea will help others in your family start that connection. Why not organize a genealogy starter kit or binder for someone in your family to help them catch the vision of family history? I think we sometimes make the mistake (well, "mistake" may be a pretty strong word for this instance) of giving people finished genealogical efforts as gifts. They get the journal, or picture book, or gedcom file that is completed and the only option they have is to enjoy your work. What about giving them a starter binder with basic starter information, some training materials, and a list of a few simple projects that they can work on. You may want to begin by trying to remember what it was like when you first started family history research. What would've been helpful for you? If you can picture what you would have benefited from, you will know what to put in this kit. But, here is an example. You could organize a binder that has the following: -a pedigree chart -family group sheets -maps of countries that your ancestors are from -family pictures -a CD or DVD with all of this information in digital format -training instructions on how to use genealogy software -a list of possible projects that you could use their help on Now, you may want to put more or less into this kit. That will depend on who the person is, their age, interest, time constraints, etc. The kit shouldn't overwhelm them, nor leave them nothing to do. You could also let them know that you'd enjoy coming over and walking them through any steps they need a little more information on. This kit may motivate them to start or re-start family history research. In the end, it could get them connected with their ancestors and give you a helping genealogical hand! // 3 Well, time to sign off. Please keep the feedback coming and send it to FHMFeedback@gmail.com. Also, would it help to receive an email the day a new episode is published? If you think so, let me know. If enough people feel like this would benefit them, I'll start sending out a short email the day a new podcast episode it published. let me know. more ideas to come! mailto:FHMFeedback@gmail.commailto:FHMFeedback@gmail.comshapeimage_5_link_0shapeimage_5_link_1