The Story on the Line, the Other Part of Genealogy
I proclaim to be a terrible genealogist. This is a true statement and definitely not opinion. I spent my childhood in libraries, church archives and peoples homes researching. I knew how to work a microfilm machine, remember those, and WRITE DOWN what we found. No copies, or pdf’s or scanning available. My Mom created a massive database of Creole genealogy. By the time I was an adult I had lost the genealogy bug. There were several people of my generation that were doing the work and doing it well. I feel like I can let it go and enjoy their findings.
What Connects Us
What I do want to learn about is what is the story on the line that connects one person to the next. Often those stories are lost with people when they pass on to the other side. But we can still piece together some of those stories that lay across the line.
Genealogy research, especially for Creole families, is complicated, intense, and requires a sort of patience that I admittedly do not have. The caveat is that it is so important to know who you came from. Who were their parents? When did they get married? Those are all important data facts but doesn’t always tell the story on the line that connects two people in marriage.
After they got married, what was it like? Where did they live? What did they do for income? How were the children raised? Then you go back to the data and find the children and their spouses and important dates. Then you go right back to the same questions.
Why the Story is Important
It’s so important that we document the stories that lay on the line. It’s easier than ever to do that. We have an abundance of technology right in our pocket. You can capture images, video and audio that will be priceless. Ask the questions? Learn what your foundation is so you can make sure that your children and grandchildren know. How powerful it is to have the voice or image of someone that has passed on to share advice and stories with new generations.
I’ve provided you with a great resource of questions to ask. These questions will help you and your children know and be able to share what their story is. Don’t wait for that just right time. Here’s a hint, get the grandkids to ask because it’s harder for them to say no!
