There may be a thousand opinions about how to document your family history, and I may be going against the grain here, but I believe there is no one correct way to write about your genealogy. Some of our paths may be a bit windier than others but, in the end, what truly matters, is that important details and experiences are documented in one way or another.
Maybe you feel like you can start with a descriptive letter or maybe you aim to write a novel.
No matter what your personal goals are, if you are aiming to be comprehensive in documenting your family’s story, there are several details you should consider including to create a detailed and engaging narrative. Here are seven important topics I’ve come across in my research for you to consider as you begin (or continue) writing about your family history.
The Basics
As mentioned in 3 Tips for Beginning Your Ancestry Research, getting the basics down is an integral step in beginning your ancestry research and family history documentation. Starting with the micro details is the fastest and best place to start. Everything else can expand from here.
1) Names & Relationships
It’s essential to include the full names of your immediate family members and ancestors, including their maiden names whenever possible, and their relationship to each other. This information will help readers follow your story and understand the connections between individuals.
2) Dates & Locations
Including the dates and locations of significant events, such as births, marriages, deaths, and migrations, can provide context for the events in your family’s history. Be as specific as possible with dates and locations, as this will help you and your readers place your family’s story within a larger historical context.
Personal Details
Including personal details that only you may be privy to can prove priceless in the documentation of your family history. Maybe you hold stories no one else was told, letters sent to you once upon a time, or photos left to you by ancestors when they passed. Whatever you have that no one else does can and should be shared in any and every way you can.
3) Personal Stories & Anecdotes
Personal stories and anecdotes about your ancestors can bring your family’s history to life and make it more relatable to readers. Try to include stories about your ancestors’ personalities, struggles, and achievements. Did they play sports or write poetry? Maybe they loved photography or fishing? Consider no detail or personality trait too small or inconsequential.
4) Photographs & Documents
Photographs of people and places as well as other documents, such as letters, diaries, immigration records and military documents can add depth and richness to your family’s history. Include copies of these items when possible, or describe them in detail in your narrative.
Larger Context
Once a few of the above details have been jotted down it’s time to start thinking about the bigger picture and how it all fits together. Below are a few ideas to get you started thinking about your family history from a macro perspective.
5) Genealogy
Including a family tree or genealogy chart can help readers understand the relationships between your ancestors and their descendants. You can build this out on a website like Ancestry.com or simply draw it out with pen and paper to start.
6) Historical context
Providing historical context is essential for understanding the events that shaped your family’s history. Be sure to include information about the time period, social, cultural, and political factors that may have influenced your ancestors’ lives. You can think both in macro terms by considering larger cultural aspects of your ancestors lives (think pandemics or wars) or think in micro terms if you know about specific influences that impacted specific members of your family (think fashion tastes or popular music of the times).
7) Cultural and ethnic heritage
If your family has a unique cultural or ethnic heritage, be sure to include information about it in your family history. This can include traditions, customs, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. This can also include specific foods and family recipes.
Remember, the goal is to get and stay inspired by your family history and the people who make up your lineage. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and or a break. Take it one person, one step, one generation at a time and trust that your goals will all come together with time, patience, and some solid work.
You’ve got this.
Now, do tell, have I missed anything integral that you have or plan to include in documenting your family history? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Onward,
Melis