Carter's genealogy road trip with his grandmother Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Carter researching family history at the Amite
Genealogy Library in Amite. 
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

My youngest grandson Carter and I spent four days last week sharing oral and family history. We sought out his Richardson and Vining at the clerk's office of St. Helena Parish. It was explained to him what type of records can be found in the clerk's office. His search included land records, succession records, and marriage records. He found his 6th great-grandfather Frank Vining in the inventory of Jesse and Martha Vining. His difficulty in reading cursive writing was highlighted by Carter. Our next stop was Big Zion Cemetery in Roseland, where his Harrell ancestors are buried. I wanted him to visit the gravesite of his 6th great-grandfather Robert Harrell. He learned how to search for Robert Harrell's death records using the microfilm at the Louisiana State Archive the day before. He was born in 1821 and died in 1921. Carter was excited to see such records. Afterward, we drove to the homestead where Robert Harrell lived in Amite, Louisiana. He walked on the ground where his ancestors once lived. The land have been in the Harrell family since 1896. I shared my childhood memories with him growing up on the land with my family and how much fun me and my three brothers had. 

Big Zion Cemetery
Alexander Harrell gravesite
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

On the third day, we visited the Amite Genealogy Library to conduct genealogy research. . He searched for his paternal and maternal ancestors using census records on Ancestry.  He found family on his father's and mother's side. Carter was excited and wanted to continue researching. He had to stop due to an interview with his 3rd paternal cousin Monteral Harrell. He interviewed her about the photo collection she inherited after her father died. He carefully looked at the photographs and asked her questions about the images. With his white gloves on, he wanted to make sure he didn't leave thumbprints or damage the images. There were some images printed on tin. It was the first time he had seen such prints. Through his interview with Monteral Harrell, Carter gained valuable insights into his family's history and the significance of the inherited photo collection. He learned about the stories behind the images and how they connected to different branches of his family tree. This newfound knowledge deepened his understanding of his ancestral roots and sparked a renewed passion for his genealogy research.

Carter researching at the 
Louisiana State Archives
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

On the fourth day, he finally interviewed me about my research and started editing his next documentary for the upcoming film festival. The interview was a crucial step in his research process as it allowed me to share my findings and insights with him. I shared a keepsake package I had saved for him since his birth. It was such a surprise to see the items I saved for him. This genealogy road trip was a real history class for him. He learned about the Louisiana Florida Parishes where his ancestors lived. Who was the United States President doing the time that his 6th great-grandfathers was living. We discussed Women Suffrage and Jim Crow Laws, etc. 

The quality of time we spent together was most important. Quality time is important for relationships because it allows me and Carter to connect on a deeper level, fostering emotional intimacy and understanding. Our bond was also strengthened, memories were created, and trust and respect were built. In a few years, he will be attending college. I know all to well what that means. So we made the best of every moment spent together.