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Writer's pictureJeff Garver

The Power of Story at the Genealogy Center

Updated: Aug 9



The power of story is so present in our lives in many wonderful and remarkable ways. In the Genealogy Center, patrons are invited to uncover and marvel at their stories, discovered in the library’s rich resources and with the assistance of expert staff. Recently a patron of the Center was having significant challenges tracing her grandmother's Romanian heritage. While not the most frequently encountered family history challenge, two colleagues collaborated to trace her ancestors back to the small village of Vințu de Jos, Transylvania. She was so happy! She mentioned that that particular day was her birthday, and to treat herself she had made a list of things she had always wanted to do but had never done. A family history consultation in the Genealogy Center was at the top of her list. She concluded smilingly saying a successful consultation was a fantastic birthday gift!

 

And these stories abound. An African American gentleman (early 40's) and his son (early 20's) were very interested in tracing the family history though neither one of them knew where to begin. They were hoping to trace their family back to slavery times. Not an easy research path, a Genealogy Center librarian began exploring vital records with them, and one could see their eyes grow big as the father's grandmother was discovered in a census. This showcased the family's move from Mississippi to Allen County, Indiana during the Great Migration.

 

The father’s grandmother was still with us (being about 90 years young), so he grabbed his phone and called her while the consultation was continuing. With her help, they were able to confirm many details of their family, including the fact that her father had often gone by a nickname that was reflected on the census document. By the time the consultation was over, they had traced the family back to a small farm in 1866 Alabama. One could tell that they were enthusiastic about continuing the search in the future and believe they now had the tools to continue their journey.


Learn more about the Genealogy Center and the Power of Story: acpl.info/genealogy



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3 commentaires


Robert William
Robert William
14 oct.

I love this article! It's amazing how stories can connect us to our roots and make us feel closer to our families. The woman's birthday discovery and the father-son duo tracing their heritage are so heartwarming. If anyone is looking to kickstart their career journey, I recommend checking out resume writing services Toronto for some great help

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Kate Berry
Kate Berry
11 oct.

Students can easily avail the best services of psychology assignment writing service for that they can easily submit it before the deadline. A great academic opportuntiy for students of Colleges and Universities. Feel free to contact!

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Jelly Bean
Jelly Bean
01 oct.

The stories shared at the Genealogy Center highlight the profound impact of uncovering one's heritage, much like the journey of writing and publishing a book. For aspiring authors in the UK, utilizing a professional book publishing service UK can provide the guidance and resources needed to bring their stories to life. Just as patrons at the Genealogy Center receive expert assistance in tracing their family histories, authors can benefit from the support of publishing professionals to navigate the complexities of the literary world. Every story deserves to be told, and with the right help, your narrative can reach readers who are eager to connect with it.


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