Make a Genealogy Bucket List

A bucket list is a list of things that a person has not done but wants to do before dying. The title of list connects to the phrase “kick the bucket” which, in general, means “to die”.

Some people adapt this concept and make a bucket list of things to do before graduating, or things to do on a vacation. You could make a bucket list about things you want to accomplish in genealogy.

The best thing about a bucket list is that each one is personalized. There is no way to do it other than by focusing on your own interests and needs. Listen to your heart, and let it guide your goals. You can stick with goals you believe you can realistically accomplish – or aim high and select goals that you would be less likely to complete.

Here are a few genealogy bucket list suggestions that you might want to include:

Scan the old photos and handwritten letters – These precious items are one-of-a-kind. They will continue to deteriorate as time goes by. Save them for future generations to view by scanning them and putting them on your computer.

Visit the “Old Country” – Do you know what countries your ancestors immigrated from? It might be enlightening to plan a trip and go visit the town or city where those ancestors were born, lived, and worked.

Hunt down that elusive ancestor – A common problem for genealogists is that one elusive ancestor that you just can’t seem to find enough information about. Maybe you want to intentionally set aside some time to focus your research one that ancestor – and none other. Maybe you want to hire a professional genealogist to help you.

Photograph the graves in the local cemetery – Chances are, there is a very old cemetery located somewhere near where you live. The people who are buried there may now have descendants who are located all over the world. They may not be able to afford to travel to the cemetery.

You can do it easily. Take some very clear photos of the gravestones. Carefully write down notes about what graves are nearby each one. Send your information to Find A Grave. Consider this an random act of genealogical kindness.

Teach your children the family stories – You’ve heard the same, old, family stories countless times. It is possible that you have them all memorized. It may seem impossible, but there’s a chance that your children have not heard those stories before. Make sure to pass those important pieces of family history down to them. Those stories might not exist online or anywhere else.

Related Articles at FamilyTree.com:

* Saving Documents

* How to Preserve Old Letters

* Find A Grave