Category: Memories

Memorial Day: Remembering Those We Lost

My brother-in-law, Mark Sargeant, served in the United States Army for over 20 years as a Military Intelligence officer. His duties took him and his family to Arizona, Germany, Georgia, Kansas, and Nebraska. He retired in late 1999 and worked for 10 years for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, assisting with the security of missionaries in Africa...

Who’s Interviewing You? How to Tell Your Story

There are many instances where someone asks us something about our past. It may be a new found friend or our children and grandchildren, with such questions as, “What was it like?” or “How did you two meet?” They usually are not seeking for one-liners like “It was quite difficult,” or “We met at high school.” Rather, they want stories...

Happy Thanksgiving from The Family History Guide Association!

Whatever your culture and traditions, it’s great to be grateful. On behalf of the Family History Guide Association, we would like to thank the many who make family history a meaningful part of their lives, as well as those who volunteer to teach classes and mentor others in discovering their ancestors. It truly is a global effort, and it has...

Fostering Relationships From Generation To Generation

Recently I have had opportunities to talk with people about family history and many want to know more, but do not know where to begin. In the past few weeks, I have found that many people think of genealogy as being just pedigree charts and family groups sheets. The umbrella we call family history is so much more than just...

Life, Death, and Meaningful Preparation

Ten weeks ago my husband’s mother passed away.  She lived a full and active life for over 92 years.   She was a widow for 29 years and lived in a modest home they have owned for 65 years.  She kept it very well and Jim maintained it and updated it regularly. She believed in maintaining your assets. She was frugal...

Do You Enjoy Visiting Cemeteries?

I received a very wonderful email this week about a great blog post on Billion Graves. Let me quote a few lines from the post here. In it, you will find 10 Cemeteries To See Before You Die. The pictures are amazing. “I can’t tell you how many people have said to us in hushed voices, as though sharing a...

What Is Worth Preserving?

Editor’s Note: This article by James Tanner appeared previously in the Genealogy’s Star blog site and is used here with the author’s permission. The Ultimate Digital Preservation Guide, Part Five — What is worth preserving? The real question behind all digital preservation efforts is determining what is worth preserving. Obviously, the incremental cost of digital storage has been falling for...

The Best Way to Connect To Our Ancestors

This is my husband’s maternal grandfather, Andrew Ferrera. We are fortunate to have this old photo of him when he was young. It is in perfect condition and we all love it.  He was quite the dapper young man, wasn’t he?  I think the pinky ring is a nice touch and the fancy stockings!  I love that we can have...

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day as we know it is 105 years old this year. But the celebration of the goodness of mothers is eternal. Whether you are a mother or love someone that is, this is a special time to contemplate the blessings of the human family and all of our mothers since the beginning. If you love a mother in your...