Often, when the subject of heritage comes up, it’s at family get-togethers — holiday dinners, weddings, funerals.
It could be, that’s the only time we see some of our relatives. But I read an interesting suggestion in a magazine published by my health insurance company. An article recommended that, as part of “The Journey of Life,” we host a “History Day” with our own family members.
That could involve going through family photos, sharing information about them or, if needed, identifying the people pictured. This doesn’t need to be a large family reunion, the purpose of which often gets lost. The suggestion to me is for a more intimate setting, which would allow for reminiscing, sharing and perhaps could lead to the creation of a memo or video, some type of record that can be shared. This would also be the time that you, as the family genealogist, could provide a synopsis of the family tree. Don’t make this a huge production of all the data you have collected, which often puts people to sleep. I am working on a memo of only a few pages that covers the saga of my great-grandfather’s arrival in Columbus, Ga., his marriage and the stories of his career and children that I have heard and researched, with just a bit of the genealogy before and afterward. Enough to interest folks, but not enough to bore them. With a lot of DNA testing on that side of my family, I have been able to reconnect with many of my second cousins. This renewed their interest in learning more about the family. Let’s hope the memo will cement the memories and give them something to share with their own descendants.
Wiregrass history event June 16
The Tattnall County Archives is sponsoring a “History in the Wiregrass Conference: A Sense of Place” on June 16 at the Tattnall County Courthouse in Reidsville from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Speakers include genealogist Robert S. Davis, author Janisse Ray and historian Pharris Johnson. Others include Mark Baxter, and Scotty Scott, who will speak on the Georgia Salzburgers, and county historian Judge Tony Thompson, who will discuss interesting court cases. The cost is $40 general, $30 if already an archives donor. Check should be made out to the Tattnall County Archives, c/o Tattnall Commissioners, P.O. Box 25, Reidsville, Ga., 30453. For more information, call 912-557-6049 or check tattnallarchives.org for all the details on speakers and other activities being offered, including a dinner and a silent auction.
How was your name chosen?
How was your name chosen? It’s something everyone should know or, if not, ask before it’s too late. “Family Tree Magazine” is asking that as part of their “Your Turn” section.
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