Starting this blog feels like opening a time capsule, full of stories waiting to be uncovered. Here, I’ll share my research, discoveries, and maybe some tips for those interested in genealogy. I hope these stories spark your curiosity and inspire you to explore your own roots. And if you discover that one of my ancestors is your ancestor too, please reach out! I’d love to hear from you.
In The Beginning…
I started my genealogical adventure when I was still in elementary school. A teacher had assigned a project to the class—create a family tree “book.” The “book” was actually cardstock stitched together to form a booklet. The assignment included conducting “interviews” with our parents and grandparents. I remember asking questions like, “What was your favorite subject in school?” and “How do you think schools have changed since you were a kid?” The answers were fascinating, and the process of collecting those little pieces of history felt like a treasure hunt.
While working on that project, I learned that my maternal great-grandparents came from a far-off land called Czechoslovakia. Imagine trying to spell that one as a kid! But my curiosity was definitely piqued. Over the years, I picked up snippets about the family tree.
For instance, I learned that my great-grandmother, Anna HURKALA (or Babi, as my mom and I called her, pictured to the left), came to the U.S. from Litmanova, Slovakia, in 1901 at the age of 14. Two years later, in 1903, she married my great-grandfather. I still feel a twinge of regret that I never had the chance to ask her about her life in Slovakia before she passed away when I was about six. But those early conversations with my family sparked a lifelong fascination with uncovering the stories of the past.
The Evolution of My Interest
For a long time, genealogy was something I dabbled in sporadically. I’d hear a family story, jot it down, or look at old photographs with my parents, wondering about the people in them. But it wasn’t until my late twenties/early thirties that I dove in headfirst. Why? The internet, of course! On December 11, 2000 I stumbled upon this online genealogy website, Ancestry.com, and that was it—I was hooked. Suddenly, I had access to census records, passenger lists, and even military documents. It felt like piecing together a massive puzzle, and each new discovery fueled my curiosity even more. I felt like Nancy Drew (my childhood idol, in fact!).
For the first few years, as I was starting a family, I continued to dabble, although digging a bit deeper each year. Then when my son started college in 2016, I went “back to school” as well. I started watching webinars online, attending genealogy workshops, learning about tools like DNA testing, and connecting with distant relatives who shared pieces of their own research. One of my favorite discoveries was finding a photograph of Anna’s immigration ship. Seeing that tangible link to her journey made her story feel more real and grounded.
Why Genealogy Matters
Genealogy has taught me so much more than names and dates. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for the resilience of my ancestors and the challenges they overcame. It’s also made me realize how interconnected we all are. One of the most rewarding aspects of this hobby is sharing stories with family members and seeing their reactions when they learn something new about their history.
So, whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just curious about your roots, I hope this blog inspires you to dig a little deeper. You never know what stories are waiting to be uncovered—or how they might change the way you see yourself.
#52Ancestors