Ancestry, Family Trees, and the Road to Self-Discovery

Narration provided by Wondervox.

I finally took the plunge with Ancestry.com. Now that I’m doing workshops on autobiographical and legacy writing, I decided to explore my family tree. I was confused about this for a long time because I’m adopted, but I realized I want to know about the family I grew up with, the people I remember and who shaped me. Seeing my parents and grandparents on this is kind of emotional.

My ‘origin story’ is complicated, with a birth family I’m in contact with and have some relationships with, and my adoptive family. The people I have always referred to as Mom and Dad are the couple who raised me. I was not told about my adoption until I was 17, which erased any memories I may have had from the first two years of my life. All these decades later, as people got into charting their family trees and their ancestry, I felt ambivalent to say the least: which family is my family? I finally decided, for the purpose of a family tree, that it is the family I grew up with, the parents whose lives I shared until their deaths, the grandmothers I remember from childhood. They are my heart, spirit and blood.

So … here we go. This is going to be interesting.

About Family Trees

Uncovering Your Roots: The Joy of Researching Family Trees

Researching family trees can be an exciting and enriching journey that connects us to our past, provides insight into our heritage, and fosters a deeper understanding of who we are. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting out, the process of tracing your lineage can bring unexpected discoveries and lasting connections. For someone like me who is adopted and not able  to really consider my birth family as my family tree, other then my parents and siblings, it took a long time to reconcile my feelings about this and realize that my interest in ancestry is not about blood. I am a McNease, the son of Margaret  Witmer and Emmett McNease. That is my starting place. All of these suggestions are optional. I’m not a “family stories” kind of person, and there will be a lot of popular things I choose not to do.

Here’s how to embark on your own family tree research.

Start with What You Know

The easiest way to begin your family tree research is by charting what you already know. Begin with yourself and work backward. Document the names, birth dates, marriage dates, and death dates of immediate family members—parents, grandparents, and so on. This initial information creates a solid foundation for your research.

2. Gather Family Stories

Speak with relatives to gather stories and insights about your ancestors. Family narratives often hold valuable clues and can lead you to names, places, and historical contexts that official records may not reveal. Don’t forget to take notes or record conversations for future reference.

3. Utilize Online Resources

Numerous websites offer genealogical records, family tree building tools, and historical databases. Some popular resources include:

Ancestry.com**: A comprehensive genealogy service that connects users to a vast array of historical records.
FamilySearch.org**: A free resource with millions of records and a collaborative family tree feature.
MyHeritage**: Offers DNA testing and historical records, along with user-friendly family tree building tools.

Explore various platforms to find the one that best fits your needs.

4. Explore Public Records

Government records can provide significant insights into your family history. Look for:

– Census records: These can reveal where your ancestors lived, their occupations, and information about family members.
– Birth, marriage, and death certificates: These documents provide essential dates and details.
– Military records: If your ancestors served, military records could offer information about their service and personal details.

Many libraries and courthouses may house local records or archives, making them invaluable resources in your research.

5. DNA Testing

NOTE: I did this, using 23andMe, only to see what part of the world my DNA is connected to. I discovered I am 80 percent English and 20 percent Irish. The real surprise there is that I always thought we were Scottish!

Consider using DNA testing to complement traditional research. Companies like AncestryDNA and 23andMe can provide insights into your ethnic background and connect you with distant relatives. DNA results can sometimes fill in gaps where records may be lacking.

6. Document Your Findings

As you uncover more about your family history, it’s crucial to document your findings systematically. Use genealogy software or online family tree builders to organize your information, and create clearly labeled documents with sources for each piece of data. This ensures that your research remains credible and easy to follow.

7. Share Your Discoveries

Once you’ve compiled your family tree, consider sharing it with relatives or even the wider community. You can create a family history book, host a family reunion, or share your findings on social media or genealogy forums. Engaging with others who have similar interests can lead to even more discoveries.

8. Be Patient and Persistent

Researching your family tree can be time-consuming, and sometimes roadblocks arise. Records may be incomplete, or your ancestors might have changed names or moved frequently. Stay persistent, and remember that each piece of information is valuable—even small details can lead to significant breakthroughs.

Conclusion

Researching your family tree is more than just texting names and dates; it’s a way to connect with your heritage and understand the lives of those who came before you. Each discovery can offer a new perspective on your history and identity. So grab your notepad, start digging, and enjoy the journey of uncovering your roots!