For more than 15 years, I have had the amazing opportunity to discover the past from a genealogical and historical perspective. Throughout this journey, it has become clear that exploring connections between history and genealogy offers a unique and fulfilling experience, as we uncover the roles our ancestors played in the past. Our ancestors were not just farmers or merchants – they were fathers, sisters, associates, and friends. In these instances, the study of family history goes far beyond names and dates, and focuses on the desire to understand our own past within a larger context.
The field of genealogy and family history has seen rapid and drastic changes over the past few years, with the release of unparalleled digital resources, like those at Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org and the creation of “Primetime Genealogy,” through the PBS series Faces of America and NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?. A new generation of genealogists has arisen, which, when supported by the resources found in repositories throughout the world will each take part in developing a deeper understanding of our history.
Whether our paths cross at an archive in Philadelphia or a lecture in Minnesota, I look forward to sharing in your journey.