I’ve been researching my family pretty seriously for more than a dozen years. My progress has been slow and careful and the excitement of beginning that research is a dim memory. If I’m being honest, I’ve been less motivated about my genealogy research over the last year or so; that’s because of other pressures in my life but also because the research may have become a little stale.
This month I decided to research my husband’s family, for the first time. It started over an idle question about what year they were married, since I’m privileged to wear my mother-in-law’s engagement ring. I did a quick search and came up with two wedding dates. It turns out both dates were right–they were married secretly out of state at the age 17 (they lied and said they were 21!) and then again a year later in an official ceremony, something that is part of family lore. Just finding those dates was a thrill and it was so fun to share what I’d learned with my husband, Barry.
So I’m off to the races with a new family. I’m sure I’ll get back to my familiar ancestors before too long, but in the interim it’s fun to relive the thrill of discovery with something new. If you’re getting bored with your research, you might try picking a new branch of your family or researching the family of a spouses or friend!
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Janine, that’s a genealogy happy ending.
A way I rejuvenate my research is to spend half the year on a less developed paternal branch, then switch to a similar maternal branch. Another approach is to select one little researched family group to do a deeper dive.
Those are great ideas! Thanks, Cheri!
Well 30 in 30 has gone a little off track. Visiting a daughter on the other side of the country. I did tell her family stories, though, and cosmically, when she was asking my husband about his grandfather, and he didn’t have the answer, I was able to find it as we waited to board our plane on the way back home. So I totally get the refresh vibe you are describing. (The visit was a big one too!)
I wouldn’t say your month is going off track, Janet. It’s just taken a different path! So glad you could travel to see your daughter. That’s especially special in this post-pandemic world.
Each month I switch between researching my family tree and my husband’s family tree. I’ve followed this pattern for about three years. It keeps me from getting bogged down and burned out.
Thanks an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing.
I switch from my maternal to paternal branches when I feel things drying up. I discovered 2 common family lines 200 years ago doing that!
My now deceased narrow minded midwestern father disliked my mother’s family with their deep New England roots. I think he was intimidated, but I chuckled when I began finding common ancestors on his maternal line along with other equally fascinating 1st settlers on his line!
Those discoveries are what make genealogy research so fun. Thanks for sharing, Doris!
I have been moving from different sides of my family since I began usually from events like weddings births and funerals questions are raised and I look into the different lines. Also getting contacted from people. That’s my problem too many projects going
Switching it up is definitely helpful, though focusing can be good too. For awhile I switched lines each quarter. Right now I’m loving a brand new focus! Thanks so much for your comment, Maree.
My wife wears my great aunt’s engagement ring. It is quite gaudy.
She is first generation Belgian (Flemish), 90% of her ancestor research comes from just a couple of resources. I have researched that side of my family and she helps me on occasion when we do road trips.
That’s for commenting, Marty! Your comment made me immediately look at my ring to see if I would call it gaudy. I don’t think so, but that’s in the eye of the beholder! 🙂
I have finally found a system that works for me! I use the pedigree number to go along with the identity of each direct ancestor. I made a folder for each of them on the computer. I am currently going through each person on all of my online genealogy accounts and gathering documents and putting them in each person’s folder. This is my foundation for building on. This way I know what I have and what I still need. Then I make a physical folder of the same. I have a family record sheet with all the dates and general information to refer to. Then I graduate to a 3-ring binder under the family surname with tabs for each family member. This has taken several years to get to this point!
Gale, I’m so glad that you’ve found a system that works so well for you! Your excitement is palpable. Happy organizing!