Genealogy: History all your own

Have you ever wondered about your family history, where you come from, who your ancestors were? Hello, my name is Greg Armstrong. I have been involved in ancestry research for the past seven years. Like many people today, I used to see the ancestry and genealogy commercials on television. One day I decided to check it out, and thus began a journey that I could have never imagined, and one that continues to this day.

Genealogy research has never been more fun and educational than it is today With so many tools and resources available, it's easier than ever, or at least that's the idea. Unfortunately, ancestry research is not without its downfalls. It took years of learning the ropes, trials and tricks of the trade, not to mention, in a fast-paced world, who has the time for it all?

My father passed away in 2007, three years before I began my research into my own family. The subject was rarely talked about growing up and quite honestly, my father didn't know much about our history other than a few possible things he'd heard during his life. From the start I was staring at a brick wall and going nowhere fast. It took the luck of a few bulletin board posts and a distant relative to finally break through. In one amazing email from an incredible relative, I had the names of my entire paternal line. From there I was on my way.

It wasn't long before I started encountering mysteries and mounting unanswered questions alongside all the buried treasures that I did uncover, but I refused to give up. I learned in ancestry, nothing always comes relatively simple and easy. Databases are constantly being created and updated. Resources are always being added and made more accessible, and answers to the toughest questions you face can come in the mostly unlikeliest of places and often when you least expect them. In my case, some even came when I wasn't even looking for them. That's the fun, frustration, beauty and dark side of this business all roll into one.

I've always enjoyed history as my favorite subject. I've come to learn after all these years studying my own, that the best and most interesting kind of history is just that, your own. It's personal, and it's all there hidden in books, databases, newspapers, and documents, just waiting to be found and appreciated for what it is, and who it belongs to.

Researching and building my family tree has given me a new outlook on life, on family and history. I have had the opportunity along this journey to meet and speak with distant relatives I never knew existed, some I had never met, and some I hadn't seen since I was a child. I have unearthed stories of ancestors that have amused, upset, amazed and justified why I keep searching. I've learned while sometimes, people say, some secrets are better left unknown, in genealogy, you take the good with the bad. These are our ancestors after all. they helped shape our world in big and small ways. They carried the traits, accomplishments and personalities that make us who we are today. They left behind a legacy that should not simply be stored away in cellars or dusty back room book shelves. and forgotten about.

Yes, it's true in part, ancestry research today has never been easier. It's never been so popular or attainable. It can be a daunting task, but one that is well worth the time and effort.

Of course, as with most things nowadays, the major drawbacks to ancestry research are time and cost consuming. I've been fortunate as a stay at home father, to have the time. I encourage everyone to begin exploring your family history at some point, but before it's too late. The best resources we have for this work are often those who can tell the stories, and those who hopefully still know the helpful important facts.

Ancestry is something I have loved doing since I started. I have researched, learned and grown an appreciation for this work. It is my hope that I can help others in the same way. I want to help others along their journey of family history. No matter the family, ancestry never gets old, it never gets boring, and it's something the whole family can share and appreciate together. For those of you who may be interested, I leave my email contact below. For those of you inspired to explore on your own, discover the names, stories and answers for yourself , I wish you the best. Your history is out there waiting to be found. Find it and celebrate it.

Greg Armstrong

ds49@sbcglobal.net