Heritage History: How to Deep Dive Into Your Ancestral Legacy

Many people feel disconnected from their ancestral roots, left with more questions than answers about their heritage. Without these connections, we miss opportunities to learn from our ancestors’ resilience. We are missing the chance to pass these precious narratives on to future generations.

But what if you could go beyond names and dates to uncover the real, human stories of your ancestry? Below, we’ll explore the meaning behind heritage history and how you can start your research.

» Start looking into your heritage history

The concept behind heritage history

Heritage history refers to the study and preservation of cultural heritage, which includes both tangible and intangible assets inherited from past generations. This concept is rooted in the idea that heritage is not merely a collection of historical artifacts but a link between the past, present, and future. It maintains cultural identity and continuity through the conservation of important practices and traditions.

Cultural heritage can be divided into:

• Tangible: Physical artifacts such as buildings, monuments, artworks, and landscapes.
• Intangible: Non-physical elements like traditions, languages, folklore, and communal practices.

» Learn more about genealogical museums and heritage centers

What heirlooms help track family history?

One of the first artifacts I look for when researching an individual on my family tree is a photograph, provided they lived during the time period when photographs existed. When I find one, I usually trace the chain of custody to verify that the individual in the photo is actually the person I am looking for. Ideally, I may find someone who knew the person while they were alive.

A while ago, I received a call from a stranger who had found a framed Victorian Mourning Remembrance Memorial that included my 3rd great-grandfather. I was able to contact the antique store that had this item and purchase it over the phone. The stranger had discovered it in a chest that had been brought over on a sea voyage and passed down through generations.

Another item that has proven especially useful in my research is the family bible. It often provides crucial dates of family members whose information I would have difficulty finding.

You can see how even the smallest family heirloom carries a piece of family lore. Now, let’s explore how you can delve into yours and come one step closer to completing the story your ancestors started.

» Want to know more? Get a primer on historical records

How to dive into your heritage history

You need to cast a wide net if you want your heritage history to come out detailed. Dig into the past of siblings, cousins, and neighbors to get clues as to what was going on in the lives of those whose records have been lost.

Ask yourself:

• What were the ideas preserved and passed down for the benefit of future generations?
• What artwork, tools, and other artifacts were deliberately preserved and thus survived?
• What most concerned these people?
• What external stimuli factored into their day-to-day decision making?
• What kind of buildings and monuments did that culture erect?
• How about the culture’s festivals, rituals, and oral history?
• What do these facts tell us about what the culture considered important?

You should start with these easy-to-acquire facts, and then slowly cast your net wider, looking into people and communities adjacent to the ancestor or their family. Remember to always cross-check your facts with reliable sources you have already proven the validity of. Don’t just settle on a collection of easily accessible, commonly accepted, and directly sourced facts.

When you get the data, you should look for supporting evidence. The goal is to have an abundance of contextual information that supports a very similar version of events. You can use MyHeritage to access digitized records, DNA testing, and other tools to make your research easier.

Found the same information in multiple sources? You can triangulate it. This method enhances the credibility of findings by ensuring that the information is supported by various, unrelated sources. By comparing and contrasting information from different perspectives, you can identify potential biases or inconsistencies and strengthen the overall validity of your conclusions.

Common obstacles you will find in your research

Limited access to records

Records might be limited if they are not digitized. You might only find them in physical formats such as paper documents, photographs, or microfilm. This makes them vulnerable to deterioration and loss over time.

On the other hand, you might not be able to access records located in a different country due to legal restrictions, cultural differences, or logistical challenges involved in accessing foreign archives. You could have difficulties getting permissions or navigating bureaucratic processes.

Archival collections often include documents written in various languages as well. For example, in South Africa, the presence of multiple official languages can create challenges for researchers who are not fluent in those languages.

If you end up without access to a certain repository of records, reach out to someone who does. Partner with local researchers and community groups, and ask for their help. If they do not speak the same language, take advantage of technology. Use translation apps to get in touch, and hire a translator later if it turns out they can help you in your research.

» Learn more about lineage societies

Historical events

Wars and political upheaval directly and indirectly affect access to records. Armed conflicts often lead to the destruction of critical infrastructure, including libraries, archives, and research facilities. This destruction can result in the loss of invaluable documents crucial for historical research.

In such cases, you have no other choice but to widen the search. You should look for alternative sources — both people and repositories — that might have those adjacent stories that help you build a more detailed picture of your ancestor’s or their community’s life during a specific period. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions from multiple angles, as they may help you continue your search.

» Learn how to gather information from relatives

Unveiling your legacy: The power of heritage history

By delving into your heritage history, you can bridge the gap between the past and the present. As you explore, understanding your ancestral roots allows you to appreciate the sacrifices and resilience of your forebears. It empowers you to carry forward their traditions, values, and stories.

By connecting with your heritage, you not only honor the past but also enrich your own life and the lives of future generations.

» Dive into your heritage by doing a family history search