Anything Goes In Creating A Solid Genealogical Picture
Anyone who has tackled a serious family history project knows the reams and reams of information that can be gleaned during a successful search.
With information coming in document form, photographs, year books, military records and even verbal histories, it's hard to decide what to include and what to discard.
What is enough? How much is too much?
The answer to that quite frankly is very subjective. Some people delve into genealogy only looking for the basics. They want to create a family tree and have names, dates and birthplaces. Nothing more and nothing less.
Others tackle genealogy with a fervor, wanting to create more three-dimensional stories of their ancestors and their lives. They want to bring the people to life for those in the current generation and beyond. In doing so, these people pay keen attention to everything from report cards to anecdotal information.
Which way is the right way?
That answer is also subjective. In reality, both are perfect depending on what a person wants to do with their family history.
For those wanting a deeply fleshed out picture of their ancestors where information is available, here are some things to consider including beyond the basic name, rank and serial number:
* Educational records - It's fun to find out what your ancestors excelled in or didn't. If you can get your hands on these, they're fun and often enlightening inclusions.
* Military records - Find out where your great grand father served in World War I. Check into units, honors and so on. The more you know the more real this ancestor will become to you and your own descendants.
* Work records - If any are available, these can tell a lot about a person.
* Journals, diaries and letters. These handwritten documents, often in your ancestor's own pen, can provide a world of information about the people of your past.
* Stories from the past - If there are family stories that have been passed down, verbally or written, include them. These are rich jewels in the tapestry that is a family and whether they're simply legend and lore or the honest truth, they are a part of who you are. Record them by all means.
A family history can be as detailed or as cursory as you'd like to make it. Should you want to go the more detailed route, what to include or not to include is up to you. Remember though that the project should be fun and try to keep it that way.
