Who will continue your research?

Every genealogist wonders who will continue their research when they were gone. My paternal grandmother died knowing that her oldest granddaughter and oldest daughter were serious genealogy hobbists. However, once my cousin had a family of her own, her genealogy obsession waivered. My aunt has not done any serious research in years. And neither of them are the generous types in sharing the research they have. Information they collected on a trip to England three decades ago is something they say will be passed down to my cousin's daughters. Why they will not share their information is beyond me, but that is for another blog.

I am 31 years old, the second youngest grandchild for my paternal side. My grandmother died when I was in 7th grade and I didn't have much time with her growing up because they lived out of town. I do remember that everytime we did visit she talked about our ancestors, passing down stories that had been passed down to her. She showed me the family tree and talked about how knowing your roots is important to living a fulfilling life. She is the reason I am a genealogist. But I wonder, who the genealogy obsession will be passed on to? Who will research with me or take over my research once I am gone? I might not have to wonder for much longer.

My almost 8 year old son sat down yesterday and asked me what an ancestor was. When I explained that ancestors are individuals we are related to who lived before us, he had a light bulb moment. He connected that ancestors were people who lived in history. He had question after question regarding periods of history he knows about, for example the Civil War and Revolutionary War and wanted to know if ancestors were alive during those days. We had a quick conversation, him getting his questions out fast, and then his sister distracted him with a game and he was off again, but I saw that spark in his eyes. A genealogist can recognize that spark anywhere. The spark that lets one know they are among their own at a genealogy conference or a genealogy meeting.

My son is very much like me. Analytical, intelligent, and nosey. I can see him joining me in research and one day taking over my research. I am happy that I homeschool him, because now that I know he has interest in genealogy, I will make genealogy a part of our lesson plans this year, maybe sparking some interest in my 5 year old daughter. When I talk about genealogy to most of my older relatives their eyes glaze over and they become instantly bored. I am happy to know that my son wants to learn about his family. Genealogy is not only a way to become closer to one's ancestors who lived before us, but also a way to become closer to those relatives who are still alive. Have you identified a family member who will take over your research or already researches with you?