Genealogy Articles
Why Genealogy?
by Vincenzo Bengivengo
So why would you bother studying your Family History. Genealogy research is a very time-consuming past-time which can often prove frustrating. You might be looking for an ancestor in the census who without your knowledge was actually away on vacation the night the census forms were completed and without knowing where the holiday destination was a search for your elusive ancestor would be like looking for a needle in a very large haystack. Also more often than not to search and view quality, reliable Genealogy sources from the web on your own pc would be done so only at a charge.
Ok so we have established that Genealogy can be hardwork, this is true but the study of Genealogy is massively rewarding too. If it wasn't why would so many people be on the Genealogy pursuit. If someone passes away with no known family it may be necessary to conduct Family History research in order to carry out will instructions for legal purposes. The main reason for most of us starting out in Genealogy is pure curiosity which comes from the human trait to question 'Who am I' It is entirely natural to wonder where we come from, and question 'Why do I have these behavioural instincts'. Of course part of our behaviour is manufactured from our social environment however that is another subject all together.
Most of us know our grandparents names and even where they come from but the curious Genealogist will ask what occupations did they have, where were they educated, what were the difficult times. So from there on the Genealogy study descends in into a new world of discovery as you move from one generation to another. The facts uncovered will further fuel your curiosity and drive you forward on your Genealogy journey. When I mention to people that I'm studying my Family Tree I'm often asked 'Are you related to anyone famous' and unfortunately the answer is no, however I have found like you will that most of my ancestors were very hard-working individuals who were of working class with ordinary jobs and managed well through the tough times.
Genealogy has risen in popularity in recent years due to the BBC programme 'Who do you think you are' which follows celebrities on a path to unlocking their ancestry. I started my Genealogy web of research after watching Jane Horrocks discovering her ancestors on the popular Genealogy BBC programme.
Another reason for conducting a family history investigation would be to provide a Ancestry tree chart and a published book of Genealogy research as a gift for a relative in your family.
I have been told in the past that History is important because it tells the story of how today's modern world has been shaped of which I fully agree with but what I feel is equally fascinating is how our very own heritage has impacted our lives. If you're curious as I was to find out what makes us who we are today then you may find Genealogy an extroardinary road trip.