As David Eagleman put it, “There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time.”

When we think about “doing” family history, we often think it involves digging through records, going to graveyards, and trying to find names and documentation. And while all of these things are definitely parts of family history, there is so much more.

Family History can be something as small as speaking one of your ancestor’s names – keeping them alive. This becomes even richer and rewarding when you connect those names with tangible experiences.  

I have found great power and joy in bringing my ancestors back to life – or keeping them from succumbing to the 3rd death. As I have learned about my ancestors’ lives and then created experiences for my children to connect with them, I have felt the immense joy and power of family history.  

I hope to be able to inspire and teach you to find family stories and revive them so that you and your children can connect with those who have come before and paved the way for you.

Summertime is a perfect time of year for this as children are out of school and there is more time to create experiences together.

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If you’re curious, and want to go ahead and get started, you can check out the link in my Instagram account @goodmorningshelly to see how I have been implementing this idea of bringing my ancestors to life  (Pioneer Unit and Swedish Unit.) 

I would love to hear any ideas for how you could bring your ancestors to life.  Please feel free to share in the comments.

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