As I reported in the 6 June newsletter:
Two different genealogy groups independently started projects
to have a national Family History Month recognized by the U.S. Government.
In a bit of serendipity, without knowledge of the other group’s existence,
both groups selected October as their preferred month. I had the pleasure
this week of connecting the two groups together, and they are now hoping
to combine forces. However, they need more help.
The full article is available at: www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/eastman/3999.asp
The "grass roots" effort received more help this week
from Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah. Senator Hatch has drafted a resolution to
make October the official Family History Month. The resolution is called the
"Family History Resolution." However, even with support from a powerful
politician such as Senator Hatch, this effort still needs your help. You need
to contact your senator to tell him or her that you support this resolution.
As of a few days ago, Senator Hatch had not yet formally introduced
the resolution on the Senate floor. Instead, he wrote to all the other senators,
asking for their support when the resolution is introduced. Here is the letter
Senator Hatch sent to his colleagues:
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510-4402
July 10, 2001
Dear Colleague:
It is with great enthusiasm that I write to ask you to cosponsor
my resolution that will dedicate the Month of October of each year as "Family
History Month."
Within the last month some 14,167,329 people researched their
family history and 24 million people have used the Web and email to locate
or hunt for family or friends with whom they had lost touch. Researching
ancestry is a very important component to self identity. It can lead to
long-sought-after family reunions or life saving stories like that of Nancy
Andjelich Margraff. Nancy's story, found in the book, "In Search of
Our Ancestors," by Megan Smolenyak, helps to illustrate the need for
public attention to the important subject of family history. Nancy started
showing signs of an illness that afflicted her father, who died suddenly
at the age of 39. At the time her mother was told that her father had a
rare illness that caused a cerebral hemorrhage that killed him.
After Nancy learned she had this deadly illness, she began
corresponding with the Minister of Health in Zagreb, Croatia. He kindly
accepted and distributed informational packets that Nancy put together regarding
the diagnosis and treatment of her illness. She disseminated the informational
packets to her extended family members, many of whom are alive today because
they were identified through family history research that lead to the early
diagnosis and treatment of their affliction.
At present there are some 2,500 genealogical societies in
the United States that represent approximately a million people who belong
to these groups. One such group, The Federation of Genealogical Societies,
represents around 560 genealogical societies and ultimately at least half
a million individuals. There is no doubt that the study of family history
is growing in popularity and is an important tool in researching ethnic
identity and genetic health concerns.
I urge you to join me in supporting the millions of American
men and women who have researched their family history by co-sponsoring
the "Family History Resolution." For more information on this
resolution or to add your name as cosponsor, please contact Chris Campbell
in my office at (202)224-4412.
Sincerely,
Orrin G. Hatch
United States Senator
Senator Hatch also included the text of the resolution that he
plans to introduce:
107th Congress, 1st Session. S. Res. _____
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
Mr. Hatch submitted the following resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on _________________
RESOLUTION
Designating the month of October each year as "Family
History Month."
Whereas it is the family, striving for a future of opportunity
and hope, that reflects our Nation's belief in community, stability, and
love;
Whereas the family remains an institution of promise, reliance,
and encouragement;
Whereas we look to the family as an unwavering symbol of constancy
that will help us discover a future of prosperity, promise, and potential;
Whereas within our Nation's libraries and archives lie the
treasured records that detail the history of our Nation, our States, our
communities, and our citizens;
Whereas individuals from across our Nation and across the
world have embarked on a genealogical journey by discovering who their ancestors
were and how various forces shaped their past;
Whereas an ever-growing number in our Nation and in other
nations are collecting, preserving, and sharing genealogies, personal documents,
and memorabilia that detail the life and times of families around the world;
Whereas 54,000,000 individuals belong to a family where someone
in the family has used the Internet to research their family history;
Whereas individuals from across our Nation and across the
world continue to research their family heritage and its impact upon the
history of our Nation and the world;
Whereas approximately 60 percent of Americans have expressed
an interest in tracing their family history;
Whereas the study of family history gives individuals a sense
of their heritage and a sense of responsibility in carrying out a legacy
that their ancestors began;
Whereas as individuals learn about their ancestors who worked
so hard and sacrificed so much, their commitment to honor their ancestors
memory by doing good is increased;
Whereas interest in our personal family history transcends
all cultural and religious affiliations;
Whereas to encourage family history research, education, and
the sharing of knowledge is to renew the commitment to the concept of family
and home; and
Whereas the involvement of National, State, and local officials
in promoting genealogy and in facilitating access to family history records
in archives and libraries are important factors in the successful perception
of nationwide camaraderie, support, and participation: Now, therefore, be
it Resolved, That the Senate ---
(1) designates the month of October each year as "Family
History Month"; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling
upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.
This is a perfect opportunity for you and me and every other person
interested in family history to get this resolution passed. Contact your senator
now! Ask your senator to support Senator Hatch’s "Family History Resolution."
This resolution will pass only if we make our voices heard!
It is easy to contact your senator since all of the senators have
e-mail in their offices. To find the name of your senator and his or her e-mail
address, go to: www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm
I sent an e-mail to the two senators from my state this morning.
I asked them to support Senator Orrin Hatch’s "Family History Resolution."
I enclosed a copy of that resolution.
When will you contact your senators?
You can read more about the history of Family History Month at:
www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/compass/2480.asp
Dick Eastman Online
