Whilst most people I was acquainted with at school were interested in science related subjects, I was burying my head in the world of literature and history. Even today I would say that is still very much the case. Over the years genealogy has become stereotyped as being a hobby for those of a certain age who have the time and money to research their family tree. Allegedly young people are not interested in genealogy, a statement I do not believe for a moment. How can we not be interested in where we come from? How can we not be interested in the people who came before us?
Most of you are probably aware by now; I was sixteen when I first entered the world of genealogy research. Seven and a half years on it has amounted to 2,350 people (to date),a merchant seaman, several young soldiers – which includes a recipient of the military cross – fighting in both world wars, a tenant rights campaigner, a royal navy surgeon, journalists and some shipyard workers. There was a 79 acre cattle farm as well. Can Who Do You Think You Are do better than that? Maybe, but then again maybe not. There has been the usual sad tale, not to mention a few skeletons falling out of the closet along the way, which is part and parcel of what genealogy is all about. I think sixteen was about the right age because certain tales on my tree – my grandmother being dead since 1966 and my great-great uncle killing himself – would have been a lot to take in if I had been any younger.
A common thing that I hear on most occasions is the fear of not knowing what could be rattling in the cupboard. Not all families are perfect that I will admit but the actions of those who have come before us should not have any reflection on ourselves. Two people who I’d researched trees for recently were not much older than myself and once I started showing them the different records I’d found; they actually enjoyed it!
I’m not suggesting that genealogy suddenly becomes part of the school curriculum or anything like that. Families are so different now in that you now have a single parent or two dads or two mums - not that it shouldn’t matter - which makes genealogy a fine line to tread. If a young person is expressing an interest in their family back ground then it should be encouraged. It could start out as simply telling tales about your parents or grandparents. If you have a tree already researched then introduce them to it. Genealogy is not something that should be forced. I do try to abide by that rule when it comes to researching trees for other people although I confess sometimes my enthusiasm knows no bounds.
I think it is important that genealogy breaks away from the stereotype of being a hobby for those of a certain age but instead can be something for young and old. We don’t have to do anything elaborate. If we take it one step at a time then slowly but surely, and I truly believe this, something will change. I hope to see a time when more young people are taking an interest in family history research whether it be as a hobby or a profession.
