1.2 Genealogy and Family History
The terms genealogy and family history are used interchangeably throughout this course. Why would one want to become a genealogist or family historian? There are many reasons, maybe as many reasons as there are students, but answering questions about the past and about how someone came to be is one of nature’s primal yearnings. Genealogy is one way to fill voids of longing and misunderstanding. Historians may find the benefits of family history research are an antidote to the stresses and pressures of modern life. Through the exercise of research, humans find connection, compassion, resilience, self-worth, and a strengthened determination to move forward.1
“History for grown-ups is complicated. It asks us to balance sympathy and judgement, hero-worship and sharp-eyed criticism. It recognizes and respects differences across time, but also looks for honest points of connection. Approached this way, the study of history is every bit as challenging as a trip to another country. As the world becomes a bigger and more complex place, and as we begin to locate ourselves on a bigger and more complex map of time, we become more understanding and empathetic people. Our ancestors have a lot to teach us.”2