3rd
05 -
2011
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The past can hold a vast of wealth for many people today if they would only take the time to look into it and really take an interest. Unfortunately, many young people display a serious disconnect with their own history. Start working with children when they are younger on a family tree for kids so that they have that solid foundation early on.
This is a great activity to do with a child who is currently at the elementary school age. Aside from the fact that they are most likely to enjoy it, catching them at this age means the information will stick with them longer and in more detail. The average teenager or preteen is not as likely to take much interest as a younger child. If you struggle to get them to take an interest, chances are not good that they will retain much of it.
The traditional scroll that many people use to keep track of their family tree is not going to get much enthusiasm out of a small child. This is something that you can be really creative with, however. Consider making the family tree a part of their bedroom and create a mural on one of the walls. This could even turn into an ongoing piece of artwork that grows the further into the project that you get.
Begin with the most relevant thing in your child’s life, their own birth. Move onto the rest of the immediate family from there. Once you get their attention and interest in the project solidified, then start moving backwards through time, one person at a time. Be sure to try to add specific details, like something that person did or where they lived. Make the whole thing very personal for your child so that each new family member added has a special element to make him or her memorable.
It stands to reason that the further you dig into the history, you will likely have to start doing some additional research. There is no better way to keep your child engaged in the project. This becomes so much more than just another project, but actually more like a great adventure that you are taking together. What you end up learning will also be quite amazing.
If your child is old enough, you could use this as a way to study history, going backwards of course. The events that you study will take on a personal meaning when connected with the family. The impression that this leaves will be unbelievable.
Honestly this is a really perfect idea for a home schooled child, or a learning project to do over the summer. The number of directions that you could go with this are only limited by your imagination. Should you find an ancestor that was involved in bootlegging, you can use this information to find out about the entire Prohibition era, from the culture to the music, literature, and politics of the time.
Laying the groundwork for this learning is essential. While some families will have most of their information at their fingertips, others will have to do more digging. There is a real wealth that comes from exploring your own past, and the sooner your children learn it the better.
1st
05 -
2011
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In recent times, a lot of discussion is going on in the genealogy world regarding the usage of DNA testing for various genealogy purposes. DNA test kits have become a modern way to determine general antecedents or places of origin, surname relationships and family heritage for those exploring their family history by comparing the DNA samples from other persons.
The DNA testing for genealogy is really quite a simple one using DNA test kits. Typically, it involves taking a swab from the inner cheek of a person with a small tool. After this step, the DNA laboratory people analyze the samples and reveal test results.
Many providers of DNA testing for genealogy even maintain the test results that they have previously tested in a database. Generally, maintained and identified by unique serial ID to protect the individual identification. Many DNA test provides include a free service that compares the new sample tests to others that are in the database to determine a DNA match. Actually, this service is not compulsory to choose.
Few misconceptions on DNA test kits for genetic genealogy exists. First, these DNA kits are not the same, which are used for investigative or medical purposes. Hence, a genetic genealogy DNA test kit will not determine a common aptness of disease or any other genetic defect.
Secondly, testing DNA for genealogy, as executed today, will not tell one who is one’s deceased ancestor. Instead, a DNA test kits result comparison will reveal the most common place of origin or most recent common antecedent.
Usage of the DNA kit is very simple in this relatively new science. Millions of people have already been tested and more are adding their ancestral DNA to the database every day. The more people that become tested and in the program, the better the chances are of locating other relatives that have a common ancestor.
To use one of these test kits all you have to do is take the supplied little spatula, similar to a tooth brush, and scrape it up and down on the inside of ones cheek. This will gather cells and saliva enough to seal in the supplied container and mail it off to the DNA Testing Laboratory. In due course you will receive your test results and if you have elected to share your findings, then when someone else that has been tested, or any new test persons that match, you will be notified and you can then strike up a relationship with these other people and though the use of genealogical research methods you will be able to discover just how you are related.
30th
04 -
2011
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When you are searching for your ancestors, you want a place you can turn to for help. It is important to have a resource you trust and one that you know you can find a lot of information from. Well there is a resource that is all that and more. It is an online source and a physical location as well. So you can do research in the method you prefer!
The resource I am talking about is Family Search which is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This website is an extension of their family history library which is one of the most complete genealogical libraries you will find. In fact, people travel from all over the world to do research in the library that is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. But you don’t need to travel long distances to do your research if you don’t want to, you can access most of their records online on the Family Search website.
On the website you are able to access documents such as census records, the International Genealogical Index files, and Social Security death records. In addition to these records you can view genealogy that has been submitted by other users.
Not only can you look up records that are stored in the Family Search databases, you can take free online classes as well. There is a wide variety of classes offered on the website on topics ranging from basic genealogy research to learning how to read old, handwritten documents. The lessons are in video format with downloadable class handouts. This is a great resource for people who are beginning genealogists and those who have more experience but are stuck with a certain type of research.
If you want to visit the actual Family History library, be prepared to be amazed! The library consists of 142,000 square feet of space spread over 5 floors. The library is the largest genealogical library in the world and is free to the public. They have all the resources you will need to search including computers, microfilm readers, microfiche readers, and so much more! Probably the best resource you can find at the library is the staff. There are 100 full and part time professional genealogists that work at the library. In addition, there are 700 volunteers who are genealogy enthusiasts who are more than willing to help you with your search.
Whether you choose to do your genealogy research online or at the library itself, the genealogy resources provided by the Mormon church can’t be beat. You don’t have to be a member of the church to use the resources, they are available to everyone. Give Family Search a try, you might find someone you know!
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