Prompted by a post in the UK's Guardian "The cost of historical research: why archives need to move with the times" I posed a question on Facebook about Nell Darby's comments "The variable fees charged to access original documents risk putting archival research out of general reach."
What developed is a conversation about how it's not only young folks, but older folks on fixed incomes who face challenges when doing genealogy research. Younger folks may have more energy, and older folks have more time, particularly if they are retired. Yet, both groups face financial considerations.
"When I have to make the decision between groceries and a trip to the archives.... well, the answer is obvious," says NextGen coordinator Jen Baldwin. I know if it weren't for Mr. Myrt's good health insurance, my monthly medication bill would be staggering.
NextGen is a Facebook group created for "to foster the next generation’s interest in family history and engagement in our community through digital channels which virtually connect members throughout the world." They're also on Twitter @nextgennetwrk.
My friend Tom Sluder says "Timing is a big factor for me. I work all week and most places are not open on the weekends for research. I'd have to take a day off just to hit a courthouse or something - IF it's withing driving distance that is."
Elsewhere on Facebook, our friend Bill West reminds us worthwhile, FREE, original documents research that can be done online.
"Maybe the younger set AND the older genealogists benefit by sharing:
- off-line research facilities
- experiences with online records access
- organization techniques
- use of emerging technology
I don't think there is a "genealogy generation gap" at all.
Genealogy researchers of all ages have more in common than perhaps we realize.
Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
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I couldn't agree more. I don't believe there's a generation gap either. I do believe that we're all at varying points in our lives, and that some of that has to do with age...but not generation.
ReplyDeleteWe're better served by working together than by dividing up into groups based on arbitrary generational cutoffs.
Thanks for the NextGen love, Pat! Very appreciated! ~ Jen
ReplyDeleteHi Pat As a member of GOONS with 40 years research available would just love folk just starting out to get in touch. Every member of GOONS will help you whether you are a Newbie or not. I am a Guild Mentor, I could be your mentor, in my case I specialize in LAWES/LAWS but we has guys doing a multitude of surnames just waiting for your mail Contact us today
ReplyDeleteI am especially grateful that many of the regions & departments in France have put digitized images of their BMD records on the Internet for free -- ranging from the early 1600s to about 1880s, with non-affiliative TDs (names without parents for indexes to BMDs) until about 1910!...KMC
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