NANA SAYS SHARE YOUR GENEALOGY WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN

As the family genealogist for over 33 years, I compiled lots of information. Back many centuries on some lines. Binders of stories that eventually will be weeded, and digitized- the modern thing to do. How much does an average grandchild really want to know? So rather than large charts of generations of ancestors, I decided to start with the present- us, our parents, our grandparents. Writing up the stories in 2-5 pages of more interesting reading with a small chart for now. Connecting to the regions of the world so geography fits in there. Grandchildren with a particular interest will have an interest in an ancestor with that interest. During one sleepover, one of my sweet grandsons asked his grandpa what was it like in Italy as a child. The answer was brief so Nana pulled out the family album for him and showed the house in Italy, the region and some childhood pictures of grandpa. Be aware in the moment of the opportunities to share information but not too much as it can become apparent when the child's eyes glaze over. One of the dilemmas for all family genealogists is what will happen to all our research and information once we are gone. It is not like on TV when a button is pressed and centuries of information pops up. So starting with short stories on a family member or a family group that the children will have some connection then go backwards. Always cite your sources in your written information. For my mother, I have her birth, marriage and death information to put with the story of May Ellis. Since DNA genealogy is the way to verify lines, my DNA was done a year ago. Now to do my husband's so the lines will be easier for this modern generation to follow. What if you have not done any genealogy? No time like the present. Get some family charts from Ontario Genealogy Society or look online for frees charts and pedigree charts. Simply write done everything you know about you and your family. Talk to all your relatives especially the older ones.Get dates, places etc. If you are smart, video tape, record or ask them for documents and information to photocopy. If you need advice on how to organize it, well just ask Nana, I know!

                                         Oh the family trees with its beautiful flowers!
#genealogy#familyhistory#pedigreechart#familygroupchart#grandparents#grandchildren