Library

Today, I spent a few hours at the marvelous Midwest Genealogy Center well know for being one of the top libraries for research.  I spent the time on their computers nosing around on Ancestry, Find My Past and Newspapers.com-I didn't find anything.  Working on brick walls is always frustrating, entertaining but frustrating.  I'm trying to decide if I want to spend the money for my own subscription.  The answer is still maybe but the 50% off sale is nearly over so I need to figure this out.

I began reading Frank Delaney's book Shannon this morning.  I love his books.  All taking place in Ireland, which as you know is one of my favorite places.  Anyway, I love this Author's note at the beginning (which kind of answers the question -"Why do genealogy?")  So I decided to share it with you.

"From Shannon by Frank Delaney

Author's Note
Much of our power comes from our past.  We have always drawn upon the ancient world for knowledge, for enlightenment, even for example.  Our philosophies, our political structures, our dramatic expressions have long been guided by the systems of old civilizations.  More narrowly, we also draw upon our own particular ancestries.  Why the tradition of family portraits?  How often do we tease apart the branches of the family tree---and grow more fascinated?

It seems not to matter much if that old family thread of ours is frail or poorly traceable or even if it fades into obscurity.  We need the spirit of our past more than we need the facts; we need the pride more than we need the proof.  And the more mobile we become, and the farther we travel from our point of origin, the more we seem to want to return.  That is, if the Irish example can be judged; to have come from Ireland, no matter how long ago, is to be of Ireland, in some part, forever.

Internationally, genealogical research has been one of the world's growing pastimes.  Within our origins we search for our anchors, our steadiness.  And everyone's journey to the past is different.  It might be found in a legend or in the lore of an ancestors courage or an inherited flair.  Or it might be found simply by standing on the earth once owned by the namesake tribe, touching the stone they carved, finding their spoor.  In all cases we are drawn to the places whence they came---because to grasp who they were may guide what we might become."

I find this very thought provoking.

Blessed Be