In Search of Our Ancestors

by Megan Smolenyak

In this companion to a new PBS series beginning in April, "In Search of Our Ancestors" features over 100 true stories of the amazing luck, unexpected kindnesses, and unusual serendipity encountered by... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580623174
• ISBN13: 9781580623179
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Adams Media Corporation
• Length: 241 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

"In Search of Our Ancestors" breaks new ground

Megan Smolenyak's, "In Search of Our Ancestors; 101 Inspiring Stories of Serendipity and Connection in Rediscovering Our Family History" breaks new ground in the long-known but little discussed area of the seemingly divine help millions of researchers have known when they commenced to discover their kindred dead. The book chronicles the most remarkable--but believable--instances of individuals who sought to learn of their ancestors and their heritage but who encountered brick walls along the way, only to have the walls smashed by acts of kindness or happy and unexpected breakthroughs.Some of the accounts in the book border on the miraculous, such as when books fall-off shelves to reveal portraits and biographical sketches of ancestors. There are accounts of distant cousins from different continents meeting in the same county court house on the same day, looking for the same ancestors. There are accounts of microfilmed records seemingly scrolling to the exact spot necessary to find an ancestor. There are accounts of cousins working on genealogy who discover one another by serendipitous accident: one accidentally leaving his genealogy on a photocopier the other was next to use.In all, "In Search of Our Ancestors" is a life-affirming work, edifying us in our knowledge that we live not just for ourselves and that there is more than this life alone. It is a remarkable contribution to the hobby and the practice of family history research.As a professional genealogist, I have already purchased dozens of the books and given them to my clients. Everyone should own a copy.

Good advice for searches into the past

This book will help get anyone started. Finding ancestors can frequently be difficult, but this book explains all steps very clearly and lightens the job dramatically.

In Search of Our Ancestors by Megan Smolenyak

The millions of genealogists who are researching their family trees will find this book both inspiring and encouraging as the make the discovery of family members they never knew or were sure that information about them was lost throughout the centuries. It shows what others have achieved by both hard work, synchronicity and almost "supernatural guidance." I believe everyone will find ecouragement here in their research for their roots! A must buy!

A "Must Have" for Any Genealogist

This book is a "must have" for any aspiring genealogist. The stories will inspire and encourage even the most discouraged researcher to keep digging for those elusive ancestors. Fascinating reading!

Can't Stop Reading These Great Stories!

Since this book arrived, I haven't been able to put it down! Each story makes me want to read the next. I especially enjoyed the "What Are the Odds" chapter. BUY IT! READ IT!