Networking is one of the joys of doing genealogy. Sharing your passion with someone whose eyes don’t glaze over when you speak of brick walls or new resources is a special joy and consider yourself fortunate if you have someone who will trek along with you to cemeteries or libraries or just listen. The true joy of genealogy is letting someone know you’ve discovered something after a long search, someone who can share the “happy dance” genealogists do when they finally locate the missing link in a pedigree chart or uncover another clue.
If you don’t have such a person in your life, networking contacts can be forged at workshops, conferences, and through local genealogical groups. In Aroostook there’s The County, in Piscataquis there is Wassebec. Both offer low-cost memberships, free programs and workshops, a wonderful opportunity to meet with experienced genealogists who’ll listen and share tips, and even a chance to acquire a mentor if you’re new to the hobby.
Watch for their meeting dates and programs in this newspaper and attend a meeting and start making genealogical friends. Even if they’re not researching your particular family line they can offer information on sources and methods you may not know about.
You can also build a network online through submitted trees and posted queries. Someone may have family documents, photos, or other materials they’ll share and I know of people who have met unknown cousins overseas through online resources. While not all information online is correct your newly found cousin may offer valuable clues to assist you in your own search.
Most genealogists are happy to share their knowledge with others researching the same family. I have run into a few who aren’t. Some clutch their research to their chest tightly and say “it’s mine” but most of us will help out a fellow researcher any way we can.
The exception may occur if a genealogist is working on a book or an article with a new find they want to keep to themselves for the moment. Should they trust you enough to share their find with you, be sure you don’t immediately break their trust and post it to the Internet.
Most humans are social animals and genealogists are no exception so I do recommend building a network of genealogical friends and reaching out to your cousins, however distant, who will become part of your own network. At the same time be sure you’re there to help others who are just starting out. Over the years I’ve received so much help from so many wonderful genealogists. And, there is a very special cousin to whom I owe a great debt for his support and willingness to share.
Remember, we all have much to share and there’s help we can give to others whether they are taking their first genealogical steps or have journeyed for years along the pathway. So, build your networks, establish some genealogical friendships, and meet new cousins. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it and be willing to help others when you can. And celebrate the joy of genealogy! Happy researching.
Columnist Nancy Battick of Dover-Foxcroft has researched genealogy for over 30 years. She is past president of the Maine Genealogical Society. Reader emails are welcome at nbattick@roadrunner.com. Her semimonthly column is sponsored by the Aroostook County Genealogical Society which meets the fourth Monday of the month except in July and December at the Caribou Library at 6:30 p.m. Guests are always welcome. FMI contact Edwin “J” Bullard at 492-5501.
