A Tutorial Guide for Authors ,

In progress

to be continued

     Takes the reader on a journey back in time.  It not only profiles the importance, 

but the how-to of Genealogy Research; from the getting started phase, through a 

step-by-step research and networking process.  The reader will uncover fascinating facts to record.

          Unlike other reference books in its genre, this one includes instructions on different formats of fun and creative ways to preserve the information you find. Detailed instructions are given for creating either simple journals or elaborate   memory books that will become legacy keepsakes.  Techniques for including the memories that will become the human-interest stories are also profiled.  Emphasis        is placed on recording details of our own life stories now, in order to leave a legacy    for generations to come. The goal is to help you "Uncover Your Roots."

The why of it…

        Genealogy (literally meaning the study of one’s genes) is meant to be a recorded history of a person’s lineage.  Those who do not understand its purpose may see it as unimportant or as a way of living in the past.  Nothing could be further from the truth. When working to preserve your heritage, it is important to see what you can uncover about your family tree.  What you may find will both surprise and delight you.  And generations to come will be grateful that you cared enough to preserve it for them.

          Whenever possible, it is important to know something about our history from a medical standpoint.  In addition, it can help us to understand genetically how we have come to be the person we are.  When we don’t understand the why of it or the source of certain traits, it can be very difficult to move forward.  It is also helpful to know if any of our ancestors faced similar issues and how they handled them.

          Knowing who we are and where we came from is only the first benefit of genealogy research.  More importantly, as you research, you will become aware of relatives, no matter how distant, that you didn’t even know you had.  New relationships with family are built through research, contact and networking.  You never know who will come into your life; some maybe for just a little while, others will stay a lifetime. New friends will be made with others who have a passion for research and networking. These friendships too, can last a lifetime.

           Yes, life gets in the way and work responsibilities take over our lives.  Most of the household chores simply have to be done eventually.  All too often relationships are put on the back burner, because everyone is busy and time goes by quickly.  Soon the time comes when it’s too late to ask the questions we wanted to ask or visit the people we wanted to know better.  The longer we wait, the more faded their memories become and the more difficult it is to get accurate information.  It really is true that time waits for no one.

           Grandma knew what she was talking about when she said, “It’ll still be there when you‘re dead and gone.”  She couldn’t have put it any plainer that what we think matters, matters little in the overall scheme of things.  It is the quality time we spend with others that lasts and teaches us life’s lessons.

           Therefore, I cannot stress enough the importance of not putting off getting     

 to know extended family.  Interview them now for their point of view on the family heritage.  Many of them have forgotten more than we ever knew about our own lineage.  With a little memory jogging and the right questions, it is amazing what 

comes back to them.  Each person you interview will offer a different perspective.

           Yes, it can be time consuming, but it needs to be done now before it’s too late and while there are still living contacts that you can build a relationship with. The 

older they get, the more likely they are to become confused.  Whether you are a 

senior wanting to live life to the fullest, someone pursuing a career, a busy mom, or somewhere in between, this book is dedicated to helping you make the most of the resources and time you have.  The biggest cost IS your time and I promise, you will be 

so glad you invested in it. It is part of the legacy we leave for future generations.

           I am often asked, what is the point if I have no children to leave it to?  If you

 have no heirs, give it to other family members. Otherwise, donating it to the library 

or local genealogy society is the ideal place for such a journal to leave your mark on history. 

          And so the quest begins . . . revisiting the past through genealogy . . . enjoy your journey.

Takes the reader on a journey to discover who they have been before their current 

life.  It will also suggest ways to document them, create a timeline and help the 

reader to understand the lessons they contracted to learn through them.  

In progress

in progress

to be continued

to be continued

to be continued