Back in December during a radio interview with Randy Whited,
on the FGS station, I mentioned plans I had to give some presentations to a
local elementary school. I also believe I mentioned this in a past blog, “A Day
on the Radio”. Well last week I had that honor and was invited to three
separate presentations, with around 55 fourth grade students in each
presentation. I had a wonderful time and
I have to admit a little surprised to see the excitement and knowledge that
some of these fourth graders had. When I
asked each class how many knew what a genealogist was, over 90% in each class
raised their hands.
I put together a
slide show of about 15 slides including, my introduction slide. The slide show consisted of examples of a census,
a family sheet, individual research sheets, a six generation chart and many
photos. I also scanned some letters and
diary entries and included those into the slide show. I know what you’re
thinking, boring and those poor kids. Don’t worry I didn't spend a lot of time
on the slide show but what time I did spend the questions and conversations
were great.
After everyone
finished discussing some of their family stories I pulled out some hands-on
objects. It was hilarious pulling out a coffee grinder that belonged to my
great grandmother. A few were surprised that K-cups weren't around during the 40’s,
50’s and 60’s. I planned ahead and brought along a bag of coffee beans and they
had a chance to grind a few beans. I
also brought some photo albums, maple syrup container, rolling pin, wash
pitcher with bowl and a pair of ice skates. We talked about the importance of
these objects and what they meant to those family members and the stories that
go along with each piece. I could just see their little minds a work and
actually processing what was being said and then it happened. There were
questions about how do they start researching their families. Talking about the
quilts they have that their great great aunt made, the pipes that belonged to
their great grandfather and the framed passenger list in their home with their
family name on it.
So for all you that
are researching your family’s history or those of you who are genealogist and
worried that the younger generation doesn't care. Guess what, they do! All you have to do is talk to them about it,
share what you’ve learned and show them how to start their own research.
I could go on and
on about this and I’m sure you will see more post on this subject in future
blog post by me so don’t be surprised. But I do ask that all of you take the
time to share what you do with the younger generation, maybe they don’t know
where to start or who to ask.
