Who Do You Think You Are? is one TV show that has affected me in a really positive way. Granted, it’s a little cheesy… But it is a simple premise with a big pay off. Basically, celebrities talk to historians and researchers to find out more about their own family history. We saw Sarah Jessica Parker trace her family back to the Salem witch trials and Emmitt Smith learn about his family members who were involved in the slave trade.
It is completely fascinating to me.
And it makes me hungry for knowledge. Our family history has not been readily available to us. We never really talked about where we came from. I know very little about life beyond my parents. Only recently have I learned details about my Mom’s experiences growing up. Or heard some of my Grandpa’s war stories. I honestly don’t even know my Finnish Grandmother’s maiden name. It scares me a little that these people will leave us before I get a chance to obtain more information. Both sides of my family have a legacy and I want to pass that on.
I know I have relatives who have done a little genealogy work and it’s time for me to be involved in that as well. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but like many things it gets put off. I know if I just put in the time, it’s something my family can cherish for many, many generations to come.
For instance, I believe I’m related to this guy somehow through my Grandma Nugent. I want to find out how!
Hans Olaus Sorenson
Hans Olaus SorensonI don’t want our family story to die with the people who leave us. Maybe it goes along with my love of photography, but I need to do all I can to preserve the history and memories.
*UPDATE: I found out that Hans is my Great-Great-Grandpa! Cool right? He migrated from Norway! Made the trek to Utah in 1870.*
yes I do have a lot of information, we even have a book that Hosea Stout (Your g-g-g uncle)wrote. He was the first lieutenant goveror of Utah. I have a book that David Sorenson sent me recently that has a lot of info. He is on facebook, I will suggest him as a friend….We are related to Jimmy Sorenson(G’ma Ina’s cousin) who was one of the richest men in Utah. He invented lots of hospital supplies ie, disposable catheters,etc. He donated 38 million of his family money to help build the nauvoo temple in Ill. lots of stuff Vanessa has done a lot and has files and files…..it is pretty fascinating…..
Soulds like I better start writing down stories I remember of my grandma and grandpa from my Dad’s side. My mom can tell us many more about her mom and dad. Her dad died in the war so I never even met him. I think it would be great to have more family history. I know so very little since I was raised by my grandparents and they NEVER talked about anything, especially my grandpa. I will scan pictures for you that I have. Let me know how I can help you. Hugs. MOM
i’ve been thinking about this recently too!! i know aunt diana and vanessa have done quite a bit of this and have even traced us back to abraham lincoln… they would be good to start with eh? for grandpa’s side anyway