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Do you find yourself constantly searching for new records, but struggling to pull those discoveries into a meaningful narrative? It’s easy to get lost in the thrill of uncovering new facts, but at some point, your genealogy research needs direction. That’s where storytelling comes in.
I’ve been there too.
My maternal great-grandmother remained a mystery for decades after her death, which occurred shortly after giving birth to my grandmother. This child was placed for adoption, and eventually became my grandmother. Though her story remained elusive for years, I finally uncovered her life through my research—preserving her legacy in a family scrapbook.
I also spent years researching my 3rd great-grandfather, Joseph Geißler, an immigrant who settled in Franklin County, Ohio. His story, once fragmented across documents, has now been compiled into the book Joseph Geißler: From Baden to Columbus, Ohio. But it wasn’t just the research that brought his story to life—it was the writing.
Do You Think Genealogy Research Is More Exciting Than Family History Writing?
I know what you’re thinking—why stop the search when there are still so many records out there? Isn’t the thrill of discovery what drives us? Why write when you could be unlocking another clue?
But here’s the reality: stories drive genealogy research.
When you start writing, you begin to see the gaps. The story itself highlights what’s missing, pushing you to uncover those final details.
Stories Prompt Family History Research Like Nothing Else Can
For example, in the chapter Birth and Baden from the Joseph Geißler book, II knew Joseph was from Baden, but my knowledge of the region was vague. As I set out to write about his early life, I quickly realized how much more I needed to learn.
What was Baden like in the 1830s?
Why would Joseph leave?
Writing his story forced me to research the political climate, geography, and emigration patterns, giving me deeper insight into Joseph’s world.
It’s the process of writing that fuels the next phase of research—turning vague facts into vivid, contextualized history.
Family History Writing Also Exposes Gaps in Your Research
Writing not only uncovers more research avenues but also shines a light on the gaps in your current findings. While drafting Birth and Baden, I included a specific birth date for Joseph. However, as I wrote, I realized I didn’t have a source for the exact date—just a vague year from a cousin’s recollection of a church record.
That realization prompted me to seek out the actual document, because as much as I trust family members, I’ve been burned before by relying on secondhand information. Writing about my ancestor revealed that gap, pushing me to get back into genealogy research to verify Joseph’s birthdate.
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Clarifying Theories Through Writing
In Joseph's chapter entitled Planting Roots in Prairie, I originally stated that “all of Joseph and Caroline’s children were baptized at Holy Cross.” However, as I wrote about their children in more detail, I discovered that one was baptized at St. James, where Caroline was a member.
That discovery forced me to question my earlier assumptions. Was this a mistake in my records, or did the family’s religious practices shift over time?
Again, writing this family story forced me to take a closer look at the facts I had and test my theories against them.
Ready to Take Action?
At some point, you have to stop researching and start writing. Without writing, your discoveries may never be more than scattered facts and dates. The simple act of transforming research into a narrative will guide your next steps.
So here’s my challenge to you: Before you rush off to find another document, take a pause. Look at the research you’ve already gathered and start writing. You’ll be surprised at how much the process of storytelling will shape your future discoveries.