I want to share a blog I found written by a young genealogist, Elyse. It was amazing. Read her blog then I have attached my reply below. It is wonderful to have other 'young people' interested in their family history.
http://elysesgenes.blogspot.com/2009/07/genealogy-societies-need-to-look-toward.html
Elyse,
Your blog was very powerful. My friend, Brenda wrote about me above. I have one story to share, when I was giving my presentation in June I came in to see that an elementary school teacher of mine is a member of our society! She was the one who gave me an assignment to fill our a pedigree chart. That is the seed that was planted and since then it has grown to a hobby that I am very passionate about! I can definately understand hesitation joining a genealogical scoiety, even at almost 30 I'm probably the youngest member of our soceity currently. My goal is to attract more people 'my age' to our group. I have never felt out of place in the society and they have welcomed me with open arms. I was even asked to take a position on the board this year and like Brenda mentioned above, I gave my first presentation last month.
When I talk to colleges and friends they think that genealogy takes a lot of time and I try to tell them that with online databases and wireless internet and laptops that researching can be done while watching their favorite TV show at night. I also mention there are lots of free sites for reserach and that there is lots of interesting things to be discovered out there!
What you (and other young genealogists) are doing is wonderful. We have the advantage (most of the time) of having our grandparents alive and sometimes even our greatgrandparents sometimes. I have a 3 year old daughter who has to have her own forms when I am working and she travels frequently with me to cemeteries to take photographs and when she was still a tiny baby I would pack her up in her car seat carrier and take her along with me to do research in the library. I hope she catches the same passion that I have for family history.
Good Luck and Take care! I look forward to seeing more on your blog!
Alanna
What a thoughtful comment and I want to thank you for keeping this dialog going.
ReplyDeleteI believe that many genealogical societies are at a cross-roads and in the next few years they must actively attract new members as well as look to the many free social media applications to promote their good works.