My early experiences with family history were overwhelming and daunting. Once, when I was at the Salt Lake Family History Library, I looked through a book with a line of my ancestors and noticed a vital date for my father was wrong. When no one was looking, I may have made a small correction! I now own a copy of the book. These family books are rare and priceless and they are no longer available to purchase. I should have purchased more. Of note, the pesky microfilm are all now DIGITIZED!
Also, on a side note, my wonderful aunt and uncle worked in the records department while on a mission in Nauvoo and later volunteered/worked at the downtown family history building. She contributed to the book series, “Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude.” I believe there are copies at the center.
As time went on, I found ways to participate in family history by gathering records. One day, I helped my mother with her first trip to her childhood home. I said, “Let’s take what we would miss if there was a robbery or the house burnt down.” I went for my grandfather’s books and my mother’s aunt’s jewelry. Later, on another trip, we acquired/rescued many valuable papers and documents. Fast forward and I now have all these priceless pictures and documents!
I also discovered that my father had rescued boxes from the curb of his mother’s home ready for the garbage. He took them to his home and they were later stored at my aunts for years while my parents lived in California.
Another man’s junk is another one’s treasure. My father could see the treasure in it all as he knew and could tell stories of his ancestors. My father was the secret weapon as a connection to his cousin’s documents. My father and mother came from the era when families were really connected and had reunions. During one reunion, my father caught up with family members while I coordinated the papers my cousin scanned. Technology, flash drives, external hard drives…what a blessing to not only experience the connection with these relatives, but also acquire copies of documents.
I received more family history when connecting with a 90-year-old third cousin on my mother’s side through FamilySearch. We shared great-great-grandparents. He lived in Springville. I visited him and he lent me a book on that line from the early days of coming to America. What a priceless opportunity as I was able to scan it all at the center. He even had the original belongings of the family.
Later on, I made records of my own. I thought I should record my father’s personal history including his WWII experiences. I managed to write up 100 pages of personal history and 50 pages of the horrible events he experienced during the war. I had this ready for his 90th birthday party.
Another time, I participated in a book my mother’s cousin printed on another line. I didn’t realize someone would give a copy to FamilySearch!
All of these experiences were made possible due to the inspiration of having a family history center and its resources near my home.
–Carolyn Heninger, Consultant, Granite Family History Center
