A Family Affair
by Linda Okazaki
99 Newbury Street
Old Burying Ground, Cambridge
My initial introduction into the world of genealogy began in a way familiar to many young parents; the kids each had to complete a family tree for school and I didn’t know the names all my great grandparents. The children are now grown, my interest in family history is at an all time high, and my kids keep moving to great places for research.
The first big move was to upstate New York. My daughter decided to attend Syracuse University and I soon discovered a set of previously unknown second great grandparents who lived and died there. That set off four years of research trips covering courthouses, libraries, cemeteries and historical societies in ten different counties. After graduation, said daughter moved to Washington D.C., where I probably spent more time at Archives I and II than I actually spent with her; she was, after all, working during the day.
And then my son moved to Boston. Of course I had to visit. Last week, while he was otherwise occupied, I had some time to spare. What’s a genealogist to do? Head to NEHGS, of course. I’ve been a member for a few years, but have always researched their materials from a distance. With no laptop, no research plan, just a pencil and pad of paper, I arrived. The weather was unseasonably pleasant, the landscaping was in full bloom, and I entered through gorgeous double doors into a spectacular wood interior. Immediately I went to the 7th floor to look at the books and discovered David Allen Lambert sitting at the front desk assisting patrons. My time was limited so I hurriedly perused the stacks, took some notes on a handful of families, and proceeded to the 4th floor for a quick peek at the microfilm holdings. Sitting at that desk was Rhonda McClure. By this time I was a bit star struck and also out of time.
Lucky for me this was just the beginning. On 13 September 2014, NEHGS will be in Berkeley for an all day event in partnership with the California Genealogical Society. Chris Child and Alice Kane will present four different lectures, followed by dinner at the Hotel Shattuck. And in November, the California Genealogical Society will host a research tour back in Boston. Looks like I get to spend more time in New England visiting my son.
I can hardly wait to find out where the kids will move next.
Linda's Orchard 
One reason I started family history was to be prepared for that family tree school project – and so far they haven’t been given that project! Oh, well, just have to keep on researching until they do…
You are one lucky mom!! I remember that first dip into the genealogy pool. In 5th grade everyone had to write a report about the country their ancestors came from. I asked at the library for a book about Sylvania (like the light bulbs). Strangely, the librarian couldn’t find a thing. I gave up and did Germany instead (mom’s side). Years later, I found out that my Sylvania was actually Slovenia! And there still isn’t a bunch of stuff out there on the good ol homeland 🙂
Thanks for the comment. Loved looking at your blog. Fun to share our stories, isn’t it?