Genealogy on the Road...

...this is one of my big dreams! How I long to travel across the United States so I can explore our families history.

I will admit that I had never been to a cemetery until I was almost 26 years old. There really is no way to describe what you may find there. You need to open your mind to realize that it is more than a place to go and honor your loved ones that have died. It is a place to learn about many details that can lead you to other areas in your search of family history.

I have flown back to Kansas to meet a distant relative of my husband's...and spent a week with a total stranger while we gallivanted across Kansas and into Missouri in search of family information. I have met family members that I never knew existed; had a relaxing meal with them while sharing information and then stayed in contact with them throughout the years.

I have flown to Tennessee; shared a hotel room with a second cousin and his wife - which I had not met previously. We went traipsing through a muddy field in order to find a group of family headstones that were partly covered by fallen trees.

You can usually look around old headstones and find other family members...some you may not have known even existed! Don't assume you know everyone in the family - it has happened to me! You may be able to confirm information that you did not know was correct - or correct information you did have but was not correct!

Some places to search online while looking for family information or connections are Rootsweb.com (You will find all sorts of links from this page). There is also a grave site listing along with a listing for Ellis Island immigrants and also. You can find all sorts if information if you do a normal google search! under a family name.

Along the way - I may have found information about our ancestors and their past - but I also found family that will be there in the future!

Past Families

Sometimes we tend to forget where we come from. I don't mean from what town...but from our ancestors. Have you ever sat down and just wondered what your ancestors may have gone through to get us to where we are today?
What type of battles and hardships did they go through. How did they get to the United States of America? How did they die...and at what age... How did they travel when they did move... Where did they get their materials to build shelters for their families...

I know some of these answers for both my husband's ancestors and also for my ancestors. It can be fascinating to learn some of these things...but we don't think it is important when we are younger. Many times when it does finally peak your interest...it may be too late to learn about it. The people who knew..may have past on or can no longer remember clearly the details that would give you a look into the past.

I feel it is important to spend time with your parents...your aunts , uncles and especially any grandparents. Talk to them about their grandparents and their aunts and uncles. Listen closely to the stories they tell you - or better yet...tape them and take notes. They may find they feel that they know something that really matters. This may seem like it doesn't really matter - but let me point out to you ....your family member will feel like someone cares about their family, you will enjoy the visit, you will have learned a little about your family that you more than likely never knew..but most importantly - you will have spent time with someone you love who probably doesn't get visitors very often!

Take the time this weekend to call a family member and tell them you love them. You will feel good and they will feel great!