Where Did You Come From?

Where did YOU come from? (A rhetorical question)

Wayne Garden

Simply put, genealogy is the study of one’s line of descent or ancestry. There are many ways to pursue this study. Most people today take advantage of the many on-line services such as Ancestry.ca and so on. Many of these sites provide quick, easy charts for your use; however, most of these sites require an annual membership fee. They then gain access to your information including photographs and documents that they can then share with others…for a fee.

If you have time and want to experience the sensation of being a private investigator, do your own research using all the hard evidence to be uncovered from multiple sources. Always begin your search by connecting with family members and asking questions. Keep in mind that sometimes family members do not always want to talk about the past for a host of reasons. Some will be ecstatic that you care to ask. If you have a grandparent(s) who live far away, try connecting with a phone call, e-mail or yes, even by an old fashioned hand written letter. You will be surprised with the results; such as: the ad found in the Prince Rupert Journal.

Local historical societies are often treasure troves of genealogical information as are provincial archives or others that are on-line. Join a local or provincial genealogical association where you can make queries about your ancestors. Locally, we have the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) and the East Hants Historical Society (EHHS). Of course there is also the NSA&RM – Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management in Halifax.

Genealogy is addictive. The more you learn about your ancestry, the more you will want to search well beyond our borders.