Family History. Why Bother?

FAMILY HISTORY. WHY BOTHER?

Discovering your family history can be a wonderful and fascinating journey. Whether it is simply out of curiosity, or for the purpose of preserving history for future generations, there are a lot of benefits to finding out where we came from.

Top 10 Reasons to Learn your Family History

1. Genetic health concerns

Learning about any medical conditions that our ancestors had can help us be aware of possible concerns we should have about our own health (and therefor, prepare us to take any necessary preventative measures).

2. Family traditions

Who doesn’t love the idea of celebrating holidays the way our ancestors used to celebrate, and having family traditions to pass down to future generations?!?

3. Inspiration

Our ancestors lived through some hard times. Learning about their lives and their experiences can help us to be more resilient and inspire us to push through difficulties we may face in our own lives.

4. Core Identity

Learning about where we came from, and the people who came before us, can help us establish a stronger sense of who we really are.

5. Family connection

Discovering information about our ancestors and where we came from can help build and strengthen relationships with the family that surrounds us now.

6. Reconnecting

Learning about your family history can actually help you to re-connect with long-lost relatives, and maybe even help you find relatives you never even knew existed.

7. Community

Finding out about your ancestors can give you a stronger sense of community. Understanding the contributions that your ancestors made in the community in which you live can give you a sense of belonging, and a feeling of connection with other members of the community.

8. Life Advice

Words of wisdom from the older generation is a valuable gift that we can pass down to future generations.

9. History Lessons

Through researching your ancestors, you can actually get a great history lesson on what was going on in the world during the times in which they were living. These history lessons are important in preventing us from repeating mistakes of the past.

10. Global Awareness

Learning about the places where your ancestors came from can help you see just how connected everyone is on a global level. It can also help you feel like you are part of something bigger than yourself.