One foot in the present and one foot in the past



Most of us old timers began family history work before the digital age, and now we are trying to update and organize our information while still trying to research.  Our old photographs and documents we are trying to scan and digitize, so these precious relics can be saved and shared among many family members.

We have been thrust into technology as a wonderful tool to assist in our family history research.  We see the value in technology and we see the advantage of utilizing technology.  We have been hurled into the technology world out of necessity to improve and assist in our passion of finding our ancestors and documenting their lives.

Because technology came after we began our research, we are stumped by the little things like how to name and organize our files and pictures; scanning techniques; and how the cloud works.  We have had to learn about pixels, jpegs, and backing up our files in addition to learning how to operate personal computers and digital cameras.
We have one foot in the past as we research and study history as our other foot is in the now of the digital age.  

We love being able to connect through email rather than snail mail, we love being able to search the internet for information rather than trudging off to the local library, and we love being able to share and save things digitally rather than carrying around notebooks, file folders and binders!  Thank goodness for how much information a flash drive can hold!

We love being able to search databases in seconds rather than looking through microfilms, books and drawers of old ledgers.  We love being able to coordinate with others on research questions rather than working alone in the dark dusty depositories of original records. 
 We have one foot in the past as we research and our other foot is in the now of the digital age, as we are connected by Facebook, Twitter, email and Instagram.  

So, technology people, be patient we have had to enhance and study to further our true hobby and passion—family history.  And to the family historians, jump in and try the new technology!  We truly have one foot in the present and one foot in the past.

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