Happy First Blogiversary to the Historian's Family

One year ago today, I began the Historian's Family for several reasons. First and foremost, I thought the blog would encourage me to actually work on my family's genealogy. Second, it would give me somewhere to vent about discuss the different approaches of genealogy and history. Third, I wanted to participate in last year's Advent Calendar of Christmas.

The reality was that I did very little research for my own family. I did get myself reasonably organized, which lasted about two months, but that was about it. I wrote a few posts about genealogy and history (here's one), but many others never made it out of my head and onto the page. And the Advent prompts? I wrote on exactly one.

I did not foresee it, but this blog has become the "ugly red-headed stepchild," while my other blog, The Scottish Emigration Blog, is definitely the fair-haired child. Perhaps things will be different in The Historian's Family's second year; with better time management, enthusiasm and perseverance, this blog could become all I imagine. ...  What? You don't think so?  That's okay, me neither.

Welcome to the Historian's Family

Some time ago, I made a "lottery list" in which I listed all the things I would do if I won the lottery. One item was to research my family history properly and visit all the places they had come from. Then this past January, it occurred to me that I didn't have to win the lottery to do this (although I wouldn't be opposed to it) and that I could document my search in a blog.  I had a goal - set up the blog before the last episode of Henry Louis Gates' program aired. I met this deadline; but then did absolutely NOTHING with the blog.

Since the winter, this phantom blog, called Under the Family Tree, has been lurking in the back of my mind. I couldn't quite bring myself to do anything more with it. Suggesting perhaps it wasn't ready for prime time. So, I let it percolate. I knew I wanted to organize what material I already had, figure out what I knew, record family stories and share all of this information with family members. Then I heard Drew Smith speak on using blogs to document family research at the FGS conference in Knoxville. He pointed out that if you used your blog as a research log it could be accessed from anywhere in the world (well, as long as you had a computer and an Internet connection). I was inspired.

It seems that inspiration was not enough. Then, finally, "my" family history blog finally clicked, not just in my mind but in my heart. What differentiates me from other genealogists is that I am a professionally trained historian. I am proud of my academic research and writing (visit The Scottish Emigration Blog to learn more) and enjoy it very much. However, at genealogical events I am slow to mention my background. When I do it's akin to admitting to something embarrassing (like having toilet paper stuck to your shoe) or to something troubling (like an addiction). Why? Because I have been told, directly and indirectly, that historians are incapable of doing genealogy. And, yes, I'm still upset about it.

Being an historian and a writer are both part of who I am. I cannot disown either in this family history quest to be or do what some genealogists think I should. Consequently, this blog will document this historian's search for her ancestors, stories about family members, and thoughts about both disciplines.  Please join me; it will be fun. Promise.