|
Spread Holiday Cheer with the Gift of Family History
Special to The Truth
Amidst the gifts, meals
and parties of the holiday season, one word takes precedence
-- family. There's no better time to begin learning about
family roots, especially as you’re gathered together in
celebration. And doing so is easier than ever.
While researching family
history or exploring ethnic roots was once a task-heavy
chore, filled with hours of library visits, interviews or
public records inquiries, now you can conveniently traverse
the genealogical landscape thanks to new technology tools,
such as mobile apps, social media and even affordable
Ancestral DNA tests that enable you to find family stories
you may not have known about.
Liven up the holidays and
connect with those who mean the most by sitting down and
chatting about family history. Here are some pointers to get
started:
• Start with what you
know: Using a website like Ancestry.com, or the Ancestry app
(available on iOS and Android), enter the information you
know into your family tree. Upload photos to preserve
memories. Don’t have all the facts? Don’t worry. This is
just the start of your quest.
• Take a DNA test: DNA
isn’t just for TV shows and professional detectives. You now
can be your own detective. Get your ethnic breakdown by
percentage, such as 50 percent Irish and 50 percent Native
American, and find out who else may be related to you with
tools such as AncestryDNA. On average, folks taking the test
have 60 matches to 4th -- or closer -- cousins in their
results.
• Chat with relatives at
family gatherings: Over the holidays, dive into your family
history with relatives. Consider gifting them family history
resources like a DNA test. Record any interviews,
particularly with the elderly, and take detailed notes. Ask
everyone to bring photo albums and heirlooms. Any documents
you create or collect you can attach to your online family
tree for preservation.
• Look at the ancestry
hints in your family tree: Ancestry provides hints about
possible relatives to populate your family tree. These clues
could give valuable insight into your family’s legacy and
connect you with lost relatives.
• Share your findings:
Whether it’s at the next family reunion, or as a belated
holiday gift wrapped and framed, share your findings with
your family for a better understanding of your collective
heritage. Plenty of websites offer printing services, so
consider the perfect stocking stuffer: a calendar, book,
poster or other gift that will bring more meaning to the
holidays. Encourage family to try the app and fill in their
own family tree.
For more researching tips,
or to get started on your own search, visit www.Ancestry.com.
Whether it’s confirming a
family legend, discovering an old yearbook photo of a
grandfather before he left for World War II, or meeting a
family you never knew existed, it’s never been easier to
create memories and family traditions during the holiday
season.
Courtesy StatePoint
|
