The members of the Kellytown Junior Genealogy Club are 8-12 years old.
They meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon with their leader, Karen, who wrote to me about the club.
Becoming History Detectives
In addition to learning how to research their family trees, Karen writes that
…they want to learn how to use their research skills to become history detectives. :) We asked some of the older children to help us put together some resources to get a better understanding of the basics. Your genealogy page has been a huge help (http://www.sassyjanegenealogy.com/chicago-genealogy-african-american-resources ) so we wanted to reach out as a group and let you know how much we appreciate it.
As a thank you, one of the kids helping me compile resources, Becca, suggested that I pass an article called “The History of Ellis Island” your way. She thought it could be a helpful addition to the other genealogy resources on your page. It talks about Ellis Island’s significance, how to find and read passenger records, and why it’s a helpful place to look for those studying ancestry and genealogy. Becca actually found it herself and thought it’d be nice to send to you as a way of saying thank you for all your help.
Thanks again from all of here at the The Kellytown Junior Genealogy Club!
To Becca and the Kellytown Junior Genealogy Club
I am happy to hear that there are young genealogists/history detectives working on their family trees! And I’m also glad to know that Sassy Jane has been helpful.
And I want to thank Becca especially for the info about Ellis Island. Thank you, Becca!
Are you going to visit a library? I found the photo at the top of this blog post at the Greensboro, North Carolina, Public Library and I thought the club might like it. Have fun with your research and learn a lot.
Sassy Jane reader-genealogists, do you have advice for the Kellytown Junior Genealogy Club about starting family history research? Please respond in the comments section.
There is so much great advice here I think the only I am going to add this:
-Be patient with yourself as you learn, with others who offer help and opinions, and your ancestors.
-It is not our place to judge others for living their lives as the see fit. People do the best they can with the situations they are in, no matter what you find, it does not lessen you or your family history; it make your family story special and unique to you.
-Genealogy is supposed to be fun and enriching, so if you find you are getting frustrated step away and go take a walk, call a friend or help with dinner, anything to give your mind a break.
-Genealogy is often best done with others, and in the spirit of sharing and helping. Each time someone takes the time to help you, respond in kind, offer to help them, and pay it forward by helping others. Each time you access a record for free, volunteer as an indexer or transcriber. Help at a event, host an event. Ecetera.
-And most importantly, keep at it; some times it will be easy, other times, it will be difficult and frustrating, no matter the effort, It is always worth it.
Find something that you were interested in. When my daughter started her family history journey, the thing that really caught her I was the family dog. I had never even thought about investigating the pets of my ancestors but she took that and ran with it. So if there is an area that is of particular interest to you then go for it! Maybe it’s your military and sisters or maybe it’s how they survive down at Homestead and what kind of foods they grew. Think about all the different things that we have in our life today and apply that to hundred years ago or 200 years ago. When you start asking questions like that you will probably find something that you will want to pursue.
Jen, that’s a wonderful insight. I’ve asked about pets but never in a formal way. And I always ask about historical events and where that person was and how they felt and who they talked to.
This is wonderful! Hooray for the Kellytown Junior Genealogy Club! Developing these types of skills will serve them well. I would have loved being a part of something like this at their age. Being “history detectives” is an apt description of genealogy — I often feel like a detective.
I was struck by that term, too, Donna. And how lovely that they wanted to say thanks. I see bright futures for them.
Take the time to talk to your grandparents, their siblings, and their cousins, now! One of the biggest regrets I have is not doing that, particularly with extended family. They have a wealth of information to share, and many are willing to sit down and answer your questions. Ask if they are willing to let you video record your talk. I depended on my memory, and I know I have since forgotten things.
Excellent advice, Steven.