Building Family Strengths: History

Strong families have a sense of family HISTORY. They have a need for connection to the past. Knowing family history provides ROOTS and a sense of belonging. Many people enjoy the feeling of security that comes with understanding who they are and where they came from. Recognizing the diversity of past generations can help family members appreciate their own uniqueness at the same time they celebrate their similarities. Newer and more sophisticated technology has resulted in a renewed interest in researching family history. The improvements in record keeping and the increased access to records that the computer provides has allowed many individuals to begin to explore their family history.

WHAT IS FAMILY HISTORY?

Family history is the study of the past and its significance in our lives today. Learning more about our personal family history can benefit us in many ways. The past influences the present. Things that may seem insignificant when they occur can turn out to have a profound influence on a family's life. Strong families will often look at significant events that changed their lives and how those events have influenced who they are today. Understanding and appreciating family history keeps families connected from one generation to the next.

Developing an understanding of one's past can improve an individual's feeling of self-worth. Having a sense of where you "came from" can sometimes help you to establish where you "want to go." A strong sense of family history celebrates individualism and recognizes common values, goals, interests and strengths.

PROMOTING FAMILY HISTORY

Families share something unique - something that can not be taken away or changed - family history. Family hstory can be promoted by:

• Telling favorite family stories.
• Relating important family events.
• Tracing family members who have moved away or are deceased.
• Attending family gatherings and reunions.
• Communicating regularly.
• Sharing family history with younger family members.
• Keeping family traditions alive.
• Remembering and celebrating family birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and graduations.

If families value their heritage and celebrate their family history, communication increases, family members spend more time together and individual self-esteem is enhanced. Families with a strong sense of family history are more self-assured and have a deeper appreciation and respect for individuality and diversity.

Deciding how to explore and record your family history is an individual decision. Some families have accurate written records, some may have photographs, and others may have only family stories to provide a basis for starting a family history search. With the onset of new technology - such as computer programs designed to record family history and the endless information available on the Internet - and the improved accessibility of archives, family members can trace their roots with greater ease and success. However, nothing is more accurate than the sharing of information from one generation to the next.