Uncovering Your Family’s Legacy: Genealogy and Newspapers.com
The Not Old Better Show, Interview Series
Welcome to The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and we’re broadcasting from just outside Washington, DC today. We are delving into the fascinating world of genealogy and family history. As part of our Back Story Family History interview series, we have a special guest today who will ignite your passion for uncovering your ancestral stories and the incredible resources available at Newspapers.com.
Our guest, Jenny Ashcraft, is a true family history enthusiast. She’s also a genealogist and researcher; her love for the written word shines through her work. Jenny finds immense joy in helping others discover their family histories, whether it’s immersing herself in dusty archives, deciphering manuscripts, or uncovering hidden gems in the pages of historic newspapers.
As the renowned author Alex Haley, who penned “Roots: The Saga of an American Family,” aptly puts it, “In all of us, there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage—to know who we are and where we came from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning.”
Genealogy offers more than just historical insights; it provides profound psychological benefits, especially for older adults. It satisfies basic needs like acceptance and friendship, fulfills ego needs such as achievement and status, and contributes to self-actualization.
For our aging audience, tracing their roots can lead to a sense of accomplishment, a connection to a family legacy, and an understanding of their own worth within the context of their ancestors’ lives. It also helps with the acceptance of the concept of death and mortality, a crucial aspect of our journey through life.
Moreover, older individuals who pay attention to their family health history are better equipped to manage their well-being and contribute positively to the health of future generations.
Our show today is packed with insights into genealogy, valuable resources for family research, and more.
So, please join me in warmly welcoming our guest, the esteemed genealogist Jenny Ashcraft.
I want to express my gratitude to Jenny for sharing her time, expertise, and thoughtful insights with us today. You can find additional links, resources, and information on our website and explore the wealth of content available on Newspapers.com. Don’t forget to visit NotOld-Better.com for details on the special programs provided by Newspapers.com.
A big thanks to the Smithsonian team for their continued support of our show and our fantastic Not Old Better Show audience. Please be well, be safe, and remember, we’re here to talk about making life better. This is The Not Old Better Show.
Thank you, everyone.