Creating a Legacy With Genealogy Research
this Chippewa Valley Museum program will teach kids how to collect the stories of everyday people
Pam Anderson, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Sara Thielen is fascinated by genealogy science, and soon she will share this interest with a young generation of researchers: 8 to 12-year-olds.
Thielen, president of the genealogical research society of Eau Claire (GRSEC), will host “Memory Keepers: Genealogy for Kids,” at 1pm on March 7 at the Chippewa Valley Museum (1204 E. Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire).
During the hour-long course, Thielen's hope is “to teach kids that the world isn’t as big OR as small as we might think.”
Theilen’s own interest in genealogy began when she was in fourth grade, as she studied Wisconsin history and learned about emigration to the Eau Claire area. Her curiosity was piqued by her Irish family roots, so she started asking questions and keeping a journal.
She also possesses an interest in the psychology of family history; Thielen believes it is “mentally and emotionally healthy for adults to share stories of adversity,” as it promotes the idea that kids can also find resiliency to overcome their own eventual challenges.
Grasping the impact of circumstances in family stories “often comes later and can develop compassion,” she added.
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THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN NO ONE CAN RECALL, SO ASK THE QUESTIONS NOW.
SARA THIELEN
PRESIDENT, genealogical research society of Eau Claire
The class was first created when Diana Sigler-Peterson, program coordinator for the Chippewa Valley Museum, approached Theilen with the idea – whose GRSEC group meets monthly at the local museum.
“Our job is to capture the stories of the Chippewa Valley, and this course teaches kids to capture their own,” Sigler-Peterson said.
There is at least one foundation of genealogy research that Thielen wants kids to learn: it starts with YOU. She will encourage young researchers to keep a journal and record events in their own lives.
“There is an innocence in a childhood perspective that we often won’t remember,” Thielen said. A change in our understanding of events or family roles over time can be key to adult insights.
At the March 7 program, participants will be asked to bring an adult with them – schedules permitting – and Thielen will teach young ones how to interview and mine for stories. She often recommends interviewing grandparents, believing their stories can build strong connections between generations.
Thielen also intends to share a lesson she learned personally: Sometimes questions may be difficult to ask or may hit a “sore spot,” but it’s important that these questions are asked and answered, teaching both interviewer and subject that “some of the uglier parts of life don’t have to be hidden.”
Thielen believes the 8-12 year age range for participants studying genealogy is perfect, because it’s the age when we start learning how the world relates to us.
What are some of the questions kids will be asking family members? “Basic questions can reveal a lot,” Thielen said.
Besides getting specifics like dates of births and deaths, other straightforward queries can be ripe with information – such as asking where someone grew up, how spouses met, the story behind their name, the level of education completed, and so on.
Kids can also go through photo albums with family and (very important!) write information down about the people and places in the photos.
“There will come a time when no one can recall,” she stressed, “so ask the questions now.”
Another source of family research might be saved letters or audio tapes, as seeing handwriting or hearing voices adds a personal element to learning about previous generations.
Thielen, for example, has her grandfather’s journal and letters he wrote to her grandmother during World War II, something she found invaluable and softened her understanding of her grandfather.
Thielen believes the 8-12 year age range for participants studying genealogy is perfect, because it’s the age when we start learning how the world relates to us. She also believes learning family history can promote a better understanding of ourselves, too – some substantial lessons for a Saturday afternoon.
There is no registration required for Genealogy for Kids event, Sigler-Peterson said. If adults are interested in pursuing genealogy research, they can contact the GRSEC online, or drop into one of their group meetings – held at 1pm on the second Saturday of each month at the museum.
“Memory Keepers: Genealogy for Kids,” will be hosted by Sara Thielen at 1pm on March 7 at the Chippewa Valley Museum (1204 E. Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire). The program cost is $5/youth, and free participation for one adult companion.
