Recently About.com posted an article which really makes you think, or it least it should.  You hear stories about genealogy and think “Wow, I want to do mine”.  Well I think we should all do our family history, but remember “People are just People” with all the good and the bad.  Not everyone in history was a so called good guy or gal or wore a white hat.

About.com-Genealogy Article

Monday August 4, 2008

Actress Patsy Kensit Upset by Family History  by Kimberly Powell

The new series of the popular British genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? ,will begin August 13 with the family history of Patsy Kensit, who was reportedly so upset by what she learned that she quit the show and had to be convinced to come back and complete the filming. The actress, who starred opposite Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon 2, and now plays gregarious nurse, Faye Morton, in the BBC’s Holby City, already knew that her father had been imprisoned, but was livid to learn that her paternal grandfather had also spent many years in prison, causing him to be absent for most of her father’s childhood. “It hit me so hard, I stopped washing my hair and wearing make-up,” she told BBC.

Patsy did go back and complete the filming and discovered a story of contrasts in her past – learning about an ancestor who dedicated his life as a curate to helping the poor in early 19th-century Bethnal Green, the same area where Patsy’s father began his life of crime. According to the BBC, she learns from the vicar that her ancestor’s work was “so valuable” that they are going to write a book about him. “That was the moment I stopped eating burgers and washing my hair!” she said. The rest of the upcoming season of BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? (which is on only in Britain) features celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott, model Jodie Kidd, actor David Suchet, and veteran broadcaster, Jerry Springer, among others. I found this comment listed on their website to be helpful:Brian says: I searched high and low to see how we can view this series in USA. The only way I have found is to buy a “multi region” (aka “region free” or “all regions”) DVD player. You can find one at your favorite Internet store for about $60. Most DVD players in USA only play Region 1 DVDs. Then you can purchase the Series 1 and 2 DVD set(Region 2) on Amazon.co.uk and have it shipped for a total of approx. $30 Remember…If you choose to do the research, just remember your ancestors were just living their lives, doing what they thought they should be doing.  Sometimes they just lived hand to mouth and just barely existed.  Most probably would not have any idea that we would all be looking up their life history.  Keep an open mind.

When helping someone with their family history, I always mention this to them to keep an open mind.  Try not to judge too harshly.  Remember, they lived in a different time and most times a different place.  Families’ diversity varies greatly.  You must take this all into account. 

For instance….in my family line one of my grandfathers was one of three sons.  The parents died within 6 months of each other and left the boys in the care of their paternal grandparents.  The boys lived with their grandparents for several years.  When my grandfather was in the sixth grade he had had enough. 

According to the stories, the boys were not treated well and were often locked in a closet. (This brings up images of Harry Potter, sorry)  The older brother John chose to stay, but my grandfather Art and the youngest brother Gilbert ran away.  They lived in the streets, slept under front porches of strangers, and stole food to stay alive.

Time passed and Grandpa Art got a job and a regular place to live.  As time passed and the boys grow older, Grandpa Art helped his younger brother to go to school.  Later they joined the service during WWI and later married and had children.  

When researching that part of the family, I received letters from a cousin, that told a different story.  According to her side of the family, the boys where just bad boys. That will happen too.  Family stories vary.  Do what research you can and document both.  Somewhere in there is the truth.  Sometimes it is not always clear which is the real truth. 

If you have a comment or story to share, send it in.    

For centuries the people of the world have used books as a primary source of knowledge.  Well let’s not stop now.  Just because the World Wide Web or the internet is the hot thing these days, does not mean that the “old stand-by, Books” should be dismissed.

Books have indexes and glossaries, lists of resources, categories, charts, graphs, etc.  They are portable and can be used just about anywhere.  There is no need for electricity or WI FI.  Ok, Ok.  I know I am a librarian and I might just be a litte partial to books.  They are my friends.

I just can’t help it.  There is something about books that totally appeal to me.  Turning the page and seeing what is next.  I love it.  While my husband sleeps and snores, I can be reading with my book-light and learn something new.  Just when I think I know all there is to know about a subject, I find there is more.  I love a challenge.  Genealogy is one of those hobbies/passions/addictions that give me that.

If you are interested in genealogy and want to know where to start, try your local library.  Almost all libraries will have a genealogy section or in the Non-Fiction section under 929 you should find what books the library has available.  Another bonus is most libraries in the U. S. offer inter-library loans or ILLs.  This allows you to boorw a book from a library elsewhere.  See your local library for more information.

Try these the next time you need a book to help get you going:

Your Guide to the Family History Library by Paula Stuart Warren and James W. Warren.  The Family History Library is the largest collection of genealogy and family history materials in the world.  This exceptional guide will help you use the library’s resources effectively, both on-site and online.  Professional genealogists Paula and Jim Warren provide the information you need.

Ancestors: A Beginnner’s Guide to Family History & Genelaogy by Jim & Terry Willard with Jane Wilson Gathering the facts, the stories, the documents, and the pictures that will help you understand your heritage, can seem like a daunting task, but anyone can research family history.  Doing so may help you reconnect with family members in new a rewarding ways.  Ancestors will help you begin.  From creating a family tree or pedigree chart to interviewing relatives, uncovering and interpreting documents, searching for your roots online, and even leaning your own legacy for generations to come.

Good Luck!