Genealogy – #2 Hobby in America?
According to a recent poll, pursuing your family history is the second most popular hobby in America, second only to gardening! Although many experts disagree with this assessment, it seems that more than a few of us want to know more about our ancestors.
We have massive amounts of free data about our ancestors now online, searchable from your home computer. Universities offer curricula that will certify you as a professional genealogist. TV shows highlight the ancestry of celebrities. Some countries, Ireland for example, make it easy for you to travel there to pursue your research.
How about the story of Scott who ended up with the difficult task of cleaning out his childhood home when his parents passed, only to find a folder of documents that indicated he had been adopted! He never knew. Hence began the search for his biological parents. With the doggedness of an L.A. detective and some assistance from DNA and a few fellow genealogists, Scott tracked down his biological father and soon thereafter found his biological mother. His father never knew he had a son as he had left for naval service in WWII and never reconnected with Scott’s mother.
And Sheila, another adoptee, in the process of researching her biological parents, eventually determined that her ancestors came across to America on the Mayflower! Not one ancestor but two! Sheila now has a certificate of authenticity of her Mayflower ancestry. Something that anyone would be proud to own.
In the Coachella Valley, we have genealogical societies you can join and improve your research skills, share your successes, and garner some assistance for your more difficult questions.
- Sun City Palm Desert Genealogy Club – http://genealogy.scpdcaclubs.com
- Sun City Shadow Hills Genealogy Club – www.scshgenealogy.com
- Palm Spring Genealogical Society – www.palmspringsgensoc.org
All these clubs host regular meetings, short internal courses, individual support, and a variety of invited speakers.
Take the plunge and get involved in uncovering your family’s past. A great hobby where you will meet the most amazing folks and their fascinating stories.
Ron Gilmore
Last Updated: October 25, 2022
Email: rvg3@me.com
Website: https://rgenealogy.ca