Genealogy: Challenges, Tools and Techniques By Jillette Torre Leon-Guerrero President of Guamology jillette@mac.com
Abstract: Television programs like, “Who do you think you are?” evidence the growing popularity of genealogy and family history. Ancestry.com would have you believe that all you have to do is enter your ancestor’s name into their database and you will make significant discoveries. These TV spots do little to inform novices about the trials and tribulations of actual genealogical research. What they don’t tell you is that genealogical research can take a lifetime. In the12 years that I have conducted research into my own genealogy I have gained an understanding of genealogy utilizing various tools and techniques. This presentation outlines the challenges of doing research in Guam and offers some insight into the tools, techniques and strategies that one might utilize when conducting research. A list of genealogical resources will also be made available for those interested. Introduction Television programs like, “Who do you think you are?” evidence the growing popularity of genealogy and family history. Ancestry.com would have you believe that all you have to do is enter your ancestor’s name into their database and you will make significant discoveries. These TV spots do little to inform novices about the trials and tribulations of actual genealogical research. What they don’t tell you is that genealogical research can take a lifetime. In the12 years that I have conducted research into my own genealogy I have gained an understanding of genealogy utilizing various tools and techniques. This presentation outlines the challenges of doing research in Guam and offers some insight into the tools, techniques and strategies that one might utilize when conducting research. The tracing of genealogical lineages dates to the first century and the gospel of St. Matthews. Until the 16th century, genealogy was primarily a tool of the aristocracy, used to prove membership in noble or royal families thereby confirming their entitlement to wealth and power. Modern “scientific genealogy” came about in the 17th century. This saw the rise of lineages recorded in writing supported by documentary evidence. The American centennial in 1876 spurred an increase in the popularity of genealogy. Americans took great pride in tracing their ancestors Marianas History Conference 2012 ・ 11