One of my favorite examples of reaching out was when I found a video on YouTube put on by DesMoines Iowa Historical Society about restaurants from “back in the day”.. I had hoped to see something about a restaurant my ancestor had owned but it wasn’t. Nevertheless, the video was very well made and I felt compelled to send a note to the director to let him know. I explained how I came across it and that I enjoyed it even though my ancestors place wasn’t mentioned. Well… he pulled a bunch of info on the one I was looking for and sent over! Truly unexpected and very much appreciated.
Kirsi, that is fantastic! Becaue you shared with him that you appreciated his work he went above and beyond for you. It shows what kindness and recognition provides in creating relationships with other historians. Thank you for sharing your story with me!
I had a similar experience with a guy selling booklets with genealogical info (this one was an address list) of Anglo-Indians living in Simla before independence. I ordered it (very inexpensive) but my family was not listed. So I wrote saying how great it was that he offered the service but that I couldn't find my people. And then he looked them up for me, gave me their address and a little map where the house was. We corresponded for quite a while as he was interested in a family mine had married into. Such a nice man.
I rejoined Facebook under a pseudonym solely for the purpose of conversing with family history society groups. And it really works! You can just throw out a question and someone will reply. Not all of the answers are helpful, but now and again there's that golden nugget! I used to primarily use Genes Reunited and have correspondence from over 20 years ago that I still continue via mail today. Nowadays, on Ancestry, you're lucky to get an answer because so few can afford the subscription. Wikitree users are usually great at corresponding. Thanks for the post, looking forward to the other parts!
Thank you for mentioning facebook and Wikitree. I didn't know about Genes Reunited. Facebook has so many community groups for research as well as surname research groups. I haven't found as much on the surname groups but you never know!
Recently I reached out to a small historical society looking for information. They found what I was looking for and in the process, they discovered a part of their own town history they had never heard of before. Turned out, we both learned something news.
My most fascinating finds have been found not by searching online but by sending an email or making a call. A great reminder to look for sources beyond the usual suspects.
I love contacting people rather than info online for exactly that reason...... they're real people. I'm sure a lot of them think I'm a nuisance and I'm sure that in the past I didn't know the right terminology etc. I like to flatter myself that I've improved now! Everyone I've asked has been very gracious and helpful and I really appreciate that.
Susan, I have no doubt that the person on the other end of the line is happy you contacted them. Remember, they also get to do some research. If they are like me they enjoy the research and finding documents in their repository. :)
I must admit I have been better sent to contact people even when I do find them. I've managed to look miss a few of them because they've been old enough to pass before I got to them. I will follow this avidly to try to get my courage up to reach out to the unknown.
One of my favorite examples of reaching out was when I found a video on YouTube put on by DesMoines Iowa Historical Society about restaurants from “back in the day”.. I had hoped to see something about a restaurant my ancestor had owned but it wasn’t. Nevertheless, the video was very well made and I felt compelled to send a note to the director to let him know. I explained how I came across it and that I enjoyed it even though my ancestors place wasn’t mentioned. Well… he pulled a bunch of info on the one I was looking for and sent over! Truly unexpected and very much appreciated.
Kirsi, that is fantastic! Becaue you shared with him that you appreciated his work he went above and beyond for you. It shows what kindness and recognition provides in creating relationships with other historians. Thank you for sharing your story with me!
I had a similar experience with a guy selling booklets with genealogical info (this one was an address list) of Anglo-Indians living in Simla before independence. I ordered it (very inexpensive) but my family was not listed. So I wrote saying how great it was that he offered the service but that I couldn't find my people. And then he looked them up for me, gave me their address and a little map where the house was. We corresponded for quite a while as he was interested in a family mine had married into. Such a nice man.
I love hearing about the kindness of initial strangers who become friends in genealogy work. Thank you for sharing your story Xanthe!
I rejoined Facebook under a pseudonym solely for the purpose of conversing with family history society groups. And it really works! You can just throw out a question and someone will reply. Not all of the answers are helpful, but now and again there's that golden nugget! I used to primarily use Genes Reunited and have correspondence from over 20 years ago that I still continue via mail today. Nowadays, on Ancestry, you're lucky to get an answer because so few can afford the subscription. Wikitree users are usually great at corresponding. Thanks for the post, looking forward to the other parts!
Thank you for mentioning facebook and Wikitree. I didn't know about Genes Reunited. Facebook has so many community groups for research as well as surname research groups. I haven't found as much on the surname groups but you never know!
PS: I really hate Facebook
Recently I reached out to a small historical society looking for information. They found what I was looking for and in the process, they discovered a part of their own town history they had never heard of before. Turned out, we both learned something news.
How wonderful! This is such a great example of the collaboration with individuals and historical societies. Thank you for sharing!
My most fascinating finds have been found not by searching online but by sending an email or making a call. A great reminder to look for sources beyond the usual suspects.
I love contacting people rather than info online for exactly that reason...... they're real people. I'm sure a lot of them think I'm a nuisance and I'm sure that in the past I didn't know the right terminology etc. I like to flatter myself that I've improved now! Everyone I've asked has been very gracious and helpful and I really appreciate that.
Susan, I have no doubt that the person on the other end of the line is happy you contacted them. Remember, they also get to do some research. If they are like me they enjoy the research and finding documents in their repository. :)
I must admit I have been better sent to contact people even when I do find them. I've managed to look miss a few of them because they've been old enough to pass before I got to them. I will follow this avidly to try to get my courage up to reach out to the unknown.
Love the old maps!
Paige, thank you for your comment. This was a special find for me! The more you dig and follow the trails of information the more you find.
Such an important topic! Thanks, Lisa.