Grandparent Wonders Why Family History Has Lost Its Appeal
Dear Abby | September 13th, 2025 | Letter 2 of 3
DEAR ABBY: As a baby boomer and an amateur genealogist, I am continually frustrated by the lack of interest my grandchildren's generation seems to have in learning about their family history -- particularly mine. Rather than ask about what life was like when I grew up in the 1950s and '60s, they seem fixated on their own lives and show little interest in anyone or anything else. When I was their age, I was mesmerized by stories my grandparents shared with me about their lives at the turn of the 20th century. I'm deeply concerned that my grandkids will never be able to pass down these stories that I'd love to share with them -- stories that hold great meaning about the lives of their predecessors. Do you have any suggestions about how I can encourage their interest in this important area? -- HISTORIAN IN TEXAS.
DEAR HISTORIAN: You probably can't do that unless they wake up when they are older and start asking you to record oral family histories. However, because you would like these stories passed down, start writing them in diaries and journals to be read at a later date, perhaps after you are gone. If your family isn't interested in them, local or state historical societies may be very interested in having them, along with any photographs you might be willing to share.
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