Bringing generations together

Monteral Harrell and Carter are 3rd cousins
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

"Growing up, all generations of my family were well-connected. My great-uncles and aunts were familiar to me. My mother's second and third cousins and their children were familiar to me. I would have thought my third cousins were my first cousins if I didn't know any better. As a family, we were well connected." It seems that something has happened because the generational connection has been somewhat lost.

 My grandson Carter is producing a documentary about his family history. My maternal first cousin Monteral Harrell inherited a photograph collection of our Harrell family. I suggest Carter interview her about her collection. During the interview, she explained to him how we are related. Following that, I informed him that they are third cousins and that her two children are his fourth cousins. It will be help him to understand the family tree and where everyone fit in.

Several factors may have contributed to the loss of generational connection within families. One possible reason is the increased mobility and globalization of society, which has led to family members living in different cities, states, or even countries. Additionally, the rise of digital communication and social media may have shifted the focus of relationships towards virtual connections rather than in-person interactions. Lastly, changes in family structures and dynamics, such as divorces and remarriages, can also disrupt the traditional sense of generational connection. Or perhaps some people like being disconnected and staying to themselves. 

Monteral Harrell and Carter
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

When I was growing up family members visited each other often. Especially on Sunday afternoons after
church. Most of the women in the period I am referring to would cook and prepare their Sunday meal on Saturday evening. So that after church, the meals were prepared and ready to be served to the family and guests. That was a great way to stay in touch and to ensure that the younger generation knew one another. Although Carter knew Monteral, his documentary project helped him to spend some quality time with her discussing family history through photographs. 

Keeping the family together and bridging generation gaps are very significant. Sunday family meals not only provided an opportunity for delicious food and shared traditions, but they also fostered a sense of belonging and strengthened family bonds. Gathering around the table allowed for meaningful conversations, storytelling, and the passing down of family values and cultural heritage. These meals created a space for the younger generation to learn from their elders, fostering a sense of identity and connection that is crucial for maintaining a strong family unit.

Studying genealogy can help students understand local history

Chase LaCoste conducting genealogy research at the
St. Helena Courthouse. 
Photo Credit: Dr.Antoinette Harrell

As a homeschooled student, Chase frequently talks about his American History class with me. For some students, history can be a boring subject. At a young age, he began to accompany me to museums, libraries, and clerk offices. I did my best to prepare him and his siblings for our exciting field trips. His knowledge of Louisiana's sixty-four parishes and their parish seats dates back to his childhood. Today was a different class for him. 

He was taught how to conduct genealogy research at the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office. The subject of successions and mortgage records was discussed with him. He learned about vendees and vendors. I instructed him to search for properties using the index. He used the index book to guide him to the book that housed the record he was looking for. The smile on his face said it all. He was excited to learn how to used the index books to help him find the records he was searching for. 

In today's class, he learned how to research succession records dating back to 1843. Chase was looking for his paternal ancestor Frank Vining who was enslaved by Jesse and Martha Vining. He learned that the records were written in cursive and he had to read them. Reading and interpreting cursive handwriting in genealogy research can be quite challenging, especially for younger generations who are not accustomed to this style of writing. It requires a keen eye and patience to decipher the words and understand the context of the records. With a magnifying glass in hand, I instructed him to research a record that was one hundred and eighty one years old. He started looking through records in file V-1 for inventory records.

I instructed him to obtain a certified copy of the records after finding them. This was also an opportunity
for me to teach. During this lesson, I wanted to make him aware of the importance of having documents certified.  In the course of paying the employee at the desk. He was instructed to ask the lady who was helping him what certified meant. Teaching in this situation was crucial as it allowed me to impart knowledge and ensure that he understood the significance of having documents certified. By explaining the meaning of "certified" to him, I aimed to equip him with the necessary understanding to navigate similar situations in the future. 

"As soon as you exit the St. Helena Clerk's Office.  We passed the monument belonging to the Old Land Office, and he stopped for a moment to observe it. As I explained to him, it is important to read the historical plaques and monuments.Historical plaques play a crucial role in educating the public about the significance of certain landmarks or events."  

He will never forget this experience. This experience has deeply impacted his perspective on local history and allowed him to see history through the lens of genealogy. Studying genealogy can provide a personal and intimate connection to historical events, as it allows individuals to trace their ancestry and understand how their family history intersects with broader historical narratives.  History came alive for Chase today. What was more excited was to have his grandmother teaching him how to use genealogy as a tool to learn about local history. I can't wait to take him on other adventure that can help enhance his life long educational journey. 

Teaching My Granddaughter About Research and Preservation

Jo'elle and grandmother
at the Amistad Research Center

I have one granddaughter who is the eldest grandchild.  Born with a natural desire to learn, she had a strong interest in many things. I enjoyed sharing family history with her and making the process fun at the same time. At the age of two, she started traveling along with me on my genealogy adventures. The two of us would pack lunch and snacks at make our way to the library. The children department was our first stop, where we read books and sometimes arts and crafts. Afterwards we headed upstairs to the genealogy department. 

Her childhood was filled with research adventures and journey to different parish, counties, and states. She loved traveling with me. Especially to the different parks and children museums for fun and excitement. I appreciated Jo'elle's little help very much and I rewarded her for her efforts just to let her know how much I appreciated her helping me. 

As soon as she learned how to read, we would read the signs on the highway and play games together. I always enjoyed being able to take her out of state with me.  During out trips to Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas, she saw a lot of beautiful scenery. 

I wanted to describe our experience in a blog post to so that she can read about our journey together. After her brothers arrived and they turned two, we had traveling companions and were able to enjoy the journey with triple the excitement and fun. 

She accompanied me to the Amistad Research Center in New. Orleans to see our family collection when she turn seven.  I wanted her to see what I had in the boxes, since one day it will mean something to her. 

Kids Learning How to Read Microfilms

Genealogy Research with Grandmother

The kids are out of school for the holiday break for one week. I decided to take them to the Louisiana State Archives with me to conduct genealogy research on their family history. They were so eager to learn how to work the microfilm machine. They were more excited to find a death certificate for their ancestors.

Jo'elle used the database of the Vital Records to find the names, volume, page, and certificate number of several of her ancestors. Soon the boys wanted to learn how to research as well. I was so proud of them for getting involved with research.

They learned that one of their paternal 3rd great aunts died from a horse kicking her. The death certificate stated that there wasn't a doctor available. They couldn't wrap their heads around that. Genealogy is a great way to get children interested in local and national history. It's also a great tool to teach them about the history of the parish and state they live in. I enjoy making genealogy field trips with them. Sometimes we pack our lunch and take to the road to on a new adventure of ancestor hunting. 

Several years ago, I published a coloring activity book entitled " A Genealogy Field Trip With Grandmother" the children are the characters in the book, they are exploring the parish, museums, archives, and treasuring hunting in their homes for pictures, heirlooms, and other family valuables. The activity book also helps them to learn and define new words. While increasing their vocabulary. Teaching them while they are young have so many benefits.

Connor reading microfilms

This summer, I would like to take them to Virginia with me to do some more research on my Harrell side of the family.  Besides I want them to see the Atlantic Ocean. They've traveled several states with me conducting research and exploring and having some fun for relaxation.  It's not all learning and researching; they have fun exploring the parks, nature scenes, and children's museums. 

When Jo'elle was a student at Spring Creek Elementary School, she received an award from her history teacher Mrs. Cindy Blade for her knowledge of history and current events. "Connor, on the other hand enjoy talking about all 64 parishes."

The most important thing of all is the memories that we are making together that they will carry with them as adults. The quality time we spend together is so priceless and valuable. I wish that my paternal and maternal grandparents would have taught me about their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. If we really want our children to be good students in history, math, and science; teach them to embrace their own family history and make it fun for them to learn. When they see themselves in the picture, the picture had more meaning to it. 

Teaching Grandchildren Their Family History

Baking Time Together

As a family historian I get the opportunity to teach my grandchildren their family history and build family traditions of our own. Every month we set aside one Sunday for "Big Mama" dinner. The grandchildren come over and spend the weekend, we cook together, look at family photographs, take in a movie and sometimes we visit the local library. There are so many things that you can do to help build a stronger bond with your grandchildren through genealogy

I wanted to give my grandchildren a gift, the gift of knowledge of their paternal lineage. I was inspired to write and publish  a genealogy coloring & activities book for children making my grandchildren the characters in the book. Every child would like to see themselves in a book. In the coloring and activity book the children travel with their grandmother to the genealogy library, the state archives, family cemetery and the local museum. They get to go on a treasure hunt looking for family treasures, photograph and family heirlooms. This is a great way to spend time teaching them about their family history.

Genealogy For Kid Tips

• Help them to Record Names of their Family Members
• Create A Group Sheet
• Create a Pedigree of Family Tree Charts
• Draw a Family Tree
• Have them to write Family History Questions   

It is never to early to start teaching your grandchildren about their family history. Almost every grandparent starts with family photographs. Often time we share family stories with our grandchildren and they enjoy listening. We should always find a way to teach our grandchildren about our loved one who are no longer with us.

Teaching your grandchildren about their family history is so important. If your family own land, it would be nice to take your grandchildren for a walk on the land where their ancestors once lived. Teach them about the person who purchased the land or property. If we recognize and honor the family member or ancestors who purchased the land so will our grandchildren.

I've written about the land my maternal great-great grandfather Robert and his son my great-grandfather Alexander Harrell purchased in 1888 for 50 cent an acre. I am very proud of my ancestors and I want my grandchildren to know the history of their ancestors.

Reading time with grandchildren

I can't explain the joy I felt publishing a genealogy coloring and activity book for children.  My grandchildren are paying close attention because they see themselves in the book. This is one way that we can make history come alive for our grandchildren. Have your grandchildren or child to draw pictures of the family and write little notes and turning them into a book. These books would make great presents to give to their parents for keepsakes. There are many companies you can choose from to have your grandchildren books printed.

Connor and Chase Map Reading

I know we are living in the age of increasing technology, iPads, CPS, and other hand held devices. I find that teaching my grandchildren how to read maps is very important. Map reading is an important skill that your grandchildren will enjoy. Ok! Here is a where I added a little fun an excitement. I told my grandchildren "Big Foot" was found in China so they are looking at the map to see how many states and what oceans he had to cross. Well, if that what it took to get them to read the map it worked.

When we are traveling out of state, we always stop at the rest area and get a map so they can read. Learning how to read a map can help improve their reading, science and math skills.

Nothing like a kiss for a grandchild
Carter

https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Family_History_Activities_for_Children:_3-11

http://tangilena.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Nurturing+Our+Roots-

++Genealogy+for+Children%20&id=19893777&instance=secondary_stories_left_column

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4809828