Want To Know More About Genealogy?

 

Welcome to FAST TRACK LEARNING

Genealogy - What is It?

Genealogy, although sounding like a threatening technical word especially when first heard, is simply the study of families and the celebration of the history of their lives. It can range from just the gathering of birth, marriage and death details, or in the case with "Solving the Impossible", a much more detailed review of many factors, such as reported newspaper cuttings, migration information, cause of death in simple medical explanation, photographs of graves and inscriptions, and many other factors. Genealogy has recently become more popularised through quality TV programs such as "Who Do You Think You Are©?" and web sites such as Ancestry.com.au.

Genealogy - Why Bother?

The most common reason for getting involved in genealogy seems to be related to grand-children. There is a realisation in life as one gets older and has the opportunity to look after grand-children that you should leave a legacy of information for them which they can pick up at an appropriate future time and place. There seems to be a common event post 35 years of age when siblings start to ask detailed questions about their grand-parents and great-grand-parents and beyond, especially what they did in life, and what the sibling can be proud of. If no written genealogy information has been recorded, it is possible several generations of one's history will be lost forever. You owe it to your family, and future families, to start documenting information now!

Genealogy - Will This Be Fun?

Those starting out on their first genealogy adventure usually have concerns about having to deal with death issues: certificates, cemeteries, and information on various diseases just for starters. This is a normal reaction and is usually quickly overcome when you realise that you are a true pioneer, carving your way through the information super highway and recording, usually for the very first time, information that will be valued for centuries. You have also casted yourself as a "Sherlock Holmes" - you are the detective on the case looking for the clues - the most fun I have is to go out to the locations where my pioneers lived: talk to the local people and in most cases you will find new information, especially from the "old timers". Following the fun theme a "Genealogy Party" is a great way to meet new folks with the same interest as yourself. Dressing up to capture the theme makes it even better.

Genealogy - Never Enough Time?

There is no doubt about it - the answer to the question is that you will never have enough time to do what you really want to do in genealogy. As you get started you will self generate even more and more questions as you become passionate about your own ancestors, and find yourself using up lots of time following up on leads, many of which will inevitably come to nothing. So the real answer is to pace yourself and ensure the other priorities you must attend to, also fit into your time allotment.

Another option is to outsource some, or all of the follow up work, to a professional genealogist who would work closely with you to ensure the material you are looking for, is delivered in a timely and quality manner. "Solving the Impossible" provides this service either on a full time, or part time basis.