This week I am celebrating the one-year anniversary of my genealogy blog.
Woohoo!!
What started as a way to explore and write about my family’s history has evolved into a fascinating journey of discovery and connection. Over the past year, I’ve found amazing documents, sifted through old photographs, and tried to uncover the stories of my ancestors’ lives. After starting and stopping a few times, 1 September 2022 was the official start date for my genealogy blog, entitled Highway Genealogy. I’m proud to say I’ve consistently written a blog post each week since then.
Genealogy is more than just tracing names and dates; it’s about connecting with our roots on a deeper level. As I navigated through military records, census records, immigration documents, and newspaper articles, I discovered stories that have been long forgotten. Two of those stories were fascinating to research. I discovered the struggles of Andrew Bothel who fought in the Civil War and the tragic death of John McKamey who died in the Fraterville Mine Explosion.
Genealogy is also a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Throughout this year, I’ve honed my research skills; skills that not only enriched my understanding of my family’s history but also gave me the stepping stone to start my own genealogy business.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of genealogy is the accidental treasures that surface during research. A wedding photo tucked behind another, a certificate of education hidden in family papers—it’s these kinds of discoveries that add an element of magic to our journey. I always knew I wanted to know more about my great-grandfather, Samuel Patrick Donahoo. After a few phone calls, I was able to see his face for the first time. This is the picture that led to a Genealogy Happy Dance.
As I look forward to the future of my genealogy blog, I’m excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead…DNA, new avenues for research, and becoming a certified genealogist through the Board for Certification of Genealogists. This one-year anniversary is not just a celebration of the past; it’s a stepping stone toward even greater discoveries.
As I celebrate today, I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore my heritage and share my findings with you. Here’s to many more years of unraveling the past and embracing the future!
If you want to find your ancestors, please reach out. I’d love to help with your journey to the past.
Genealogy tip: A little bit of effort consistently implemented over time gets you more than big bursts done sporadically. Take some time each day or each week to do a little research.