How old were you when you first started Genealogy?

[Janealogy]

I thought I would post this topic, due to when I first started genealogy I was the baby at the Mormon Library. Most people seem to think that genealogy is for adults who have retired and have nothing better to do. I totally disagree, genealogy is for any one at any age who wants to know their roots.

Saying that maybe the TV series that I watched at a young age "Roots" possibly started my nosiness into things that kindles my interest!! maybe listening to adults talking as a child - whilst I was serving my apprenticeship for an adult, loving family gossip??

I was in my early 30's when I started, everyone said it would never last!! well after almost 15 yrs I'm still at it, and someday's feels no way futher, but I will still probe.

So how old were you all of you when you started this addicted hobby??? and how many of you tackled snigger's etc when you first started.

I'm glad that I stuck with it.
Happy hunting
Jane

[casalguidi]

Hi Jane

I was in my middle twenties and a bit of an "outcast" locally

Have never watched much tele but was enthralled with "Roots" - it's probably one of my all time favourite TV shows

Casalguidi

[Boongie Pam]

So many I people in work I talk to bore ridged about genealogy say "I'm looking forward to doing that when I'm older" or retired whatever.

I think this is a hangover from the days when it took a huge amount of time visiting records offices etc.

I think the average age of the genealogist is reducing.  The more records become available online the more working people have access.

I was 12/13 when I first drew our tree.

I asked my Nan all the names of her aunties (8 of them, there was actually more but she didn't know that).  It was sparked by the death of my Great Nan.  I'm so glad I had that early foray as I now have no grand-parents to ask.

I didn't launch into the records until 1901 census went online years later.

Pam
 

[JenClark]

I am one of those crazies that started young too - I was 12 and have been doing it for 13 years so far so I am still a baby 

I found a box of my great grandmothers goodies when I was 11 and I bugged mum about it so much she helped me draw up a paper 'tree' and took me to the local family history society.... it got a lot easier when I could drive trust me 

Jenny

[Janealogy]

I believe there is no prejudice in genealogy. We have been introduced to academics who have the knowledge and others who have done and may even know more about a certain topics.

Here in Auss they introduce children to genealogy at a young age. To question family members to put together a tree. I was never given that as a study. If so I may have started earlier. Question living grandparents etc. I don't think I would have asked the question that I now need the answer's. Fortunately my family did talk alot about the past and loved ones who were are longer.

It is a very interesting hobby that joins all kinds of people from all over. We all search for answer's, what ever our past, or even out future!

Jane

Ps my son comes home from school and asks everyday "had a good day? find any dead people" In time I hope it will rub of on him

[Sahara]

I started dabbling in it at 18 but university got in the way for a few years. I took it up again properly last summer at the age of 24 when my boyfriend told me to get a hobby and I remembered all the information I had collected when I was younger.  He now regrets that statement every day as I drone on about what work I have done on it now! 

[peterpiper]

I was well on in life when I started searching, but my Grandson aged 7 has just put all our known rellies into the chart from Your Family Tree, he's really interested, always asking his Granny about his relies, took him to the National Mining Museum yesterday, he was chuffed to bits, he's at Pontefract Castle today with his parents,watching the jousting and it's Beamish next tuesday with Granny and Grandad, he can't get enough, I wish I'd asked as many questions when I was young.
peter

[tabitha]

My mum has recently given me a copy of a family tree I drew up when I was about 8 (with the help of my Grandad!).

I was always fascinated with family stories but only started to research the tree seriously about 5 years ago when I was 31. 

Peter  - my Grandad took me to Beamish too - it's a brilliant place and I think one of the few places I've been to that truly did bring history to life for me.

Tabitha

[the happy granny]

I was around 45 when I started seriously looking up my tree.................but the

fascination for hearing family stories and asking questions about my ancestors

has always been with me.........its now more addiction than fascination!!

I think that the fact they introduce children in Oz to genealogy at a young age is

brilliant............I am trying to encourage my grandchildren to become

involved too.....with very mixed results!

Sue