Tend your family history like a well-kept garden

Starting a family history project is a lot like gardening: you jump in enthusiastically, hit it hard for awhile and then summer arrives, with its heat, weeds and other distractions. If you stick with the plan, you reap the harvest. But if you don’t stay with it, things can get ugly in a hurry.

That’s the true test: your ability to see it through to the final reward. And the rewards of doing family history are great. It’s truly a win-win situation when done properly: you enjoy doing it as much as your readers enjoy what you’re doing. Family history helps connect generations in unique and powerful ways.

Here’s some proof:

• Why do it? Genealogical blogger extraordinaire Randy Seaver shares his reasons for preserving his family’s history in this post.
• Are you one of those people who thinks your life has been nothing special? Then you should read this essay about “we” and our accomplishments. You may change your mind.
• Dr. Lyman Beecher’s family stepped in to help him save his family stories back in the 1860s. Their methods are just as valid today. Try them.
• Is there a generational communications gap in your family? Maureen Taylor offers some tips on how to bridge that gap with family history.

Remember, stick to your family history project. You can get there from here. Work smarter, not harder. Don’t give up.

Larry Lehmer is a personal historian who helps people write their family histories. To learn more, visit his web site or send him an e-mail.

Flickr photo courtesy of billaday.

Comments

[Amy]

Larry, I am quite new to the world of genealogy blogs, but I wanted to take the time to tell you that your family history blog is a delight to read. It's so very thoughtful, and I appreciate that you leave your readers with a few questions to turn over in our minds at the end of most of your posts. I look forward to all future installments! I hope you don't mind that I've rec'd your site at my own genealogy blog.

[Larry Lehmer]

Thanks, Amy, for your comment and for linking to me from your own fine blog.