This Thanksgiving, Don't Just Talk Turkey

November 23, 2010

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with family. When you are sitting around the Thanksgiving dinner table, do you talk about sports?  Maybe you argue about politics?  Or, do you talk about family – about those who are no longer with us? Holiday times are a great time to ask the older generation questions about family. That’s also a time when more questions come up.  "Why did great grandpa go to California to live?  "What was grandma’s maiden name?"  "Where did my red hair come from?"  "What nationality are we?"  Sometimes other family members have the answers, but sometimes they don’t. 

Take time this Thanksgiving to not only give thanks for our material blessings, but to give honor to our ancestors by remembering them. On the Midwest Genealogy Center’s website, you can find forms to help you record the information you are learning about. With the Six Generation Chart, you can record your direct lineage – write  down the full names of your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Write down whatever names you remember. When recording the names of females, write down their maiden names. Then enter the date and place of birth, date and place of marriage, and date and place of death for those for whom you have that information. With the Family Unit Chart, you can record the names of each family unit – father, mother, and children who were a result of that union. Armed with that basic information, plan a trip to the Midwest Genealogy Center, and talk to the expert staff who can help you find more information.

While you’re at it, do an oral recording of your family talking about the things they remember – about their childhood, their parents, their siblings, or an important event in their lives. Friday, November 26th is the National Day of Listening.  Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Our family members are not with us forever. If you would like help recording your oral history, talk to our staff about making that recording at the genealogy center. We have recording equipment to help you make that memorable recording.

Have a great holiday and remember – don’t just talk turkey!

Andrew M.
Midwest Genealogy Center