on the shoulders of these giants

me with my grandma Anna 

My genealogy work is only thanks to all the generations who came before. Pioneers who kept records and searched out their lineage info. Children and grandchildren of the pioneers who wrote down their stories. Many keepers of remembrance books, and photos, and heirlooms, some who wrote personal histories, others who kept journals.

Attending RootsTech this year, I was reminded of the history of genealogy research, and what has only been possible in the past few decades. Up until the 1970s and '80s, it was genealogy 1.0--letters, family books, paper trails, microfilm. I'd like to thank in particular, my great-grandmother Blanche, my grandmothers Nita and Anna, and my grandpa Wally for persevering under these conditions.

Blanche and Anna kept prodigious records, and labeled photos, and wrote to genealogical and archival organizations for details. I know their handwriting so well. Blanche, a true daughter of a Utah pioneer, was inspired by her own mother, pioneer Annie Hatch, who was part of the early genealogical work in the 1930s, and she and Nita loved being part of the DUP organization.

Anna and Wally were especially moved to work on his line, since he was a convert to the church. They typed up histories and researched details through correspondence with extended family and archives. Nita kept Xerox in business. She didn't do as much original research, but she photocopied histories, compiling accounts and disseminating them to share. She organized reunions and honored ancestors and kept their lives fresh to descendants. She saved heirlooms and photos, and told stories, following the genealogy SOS advice: Save, Organize, Share.

My aunts Ann and Jeannie and mother in law Gayle, are also a modern inspiration. Ann followed her mom's example and like her, traveled to ancestral sites. Jeannie is an archivist and kinkeeper. Gayle has done much original research, audio interviews, and writing of personal histories. 

The world and technology have since moved on to genealogy 2.0: digitization and online connectivity, which has occupied much of my time, 3.0: DNA, and 4.0: AI, where I continue to learn, while ever working on the SOS challenge. I still question how best to fulfill this stewardship, and how to be a good ancestor, and what will last. They have all inspired me, and as I look at the piles and boxes in my basement vault, I am so grateful for this heritage, this research, and these mysteries and photos still to be sorted.