The fabric of our identity is often interlaced with the threads of our ancestors' stories.
Sindi Terrien, a seasoned research genealogist, is someone who understands the importance of unraveling these threads to weave the narrative of our existence.
My recent interview with Sindi provided a riveting exploration into the world of genealogy and the impact of ancestral legacies on our present and future.
The connection between genealogy and writing
The discussion kicked off with an intimate conversation about the partnership between genealogy and writing, emphasizing the role of serendipity in our creative pursuits. Sindi shared her expertise in researching Acadian and Cajun women, highlighting her blog "My Many Mothers," which pays homage to the numerous matriarchs in her lineage. The narrative further unfolded as we learned about her contribution to genealogical publications and her innovative approaches to engaging the wider family in this quest for knowledge.
As the conversation progressed, the episode delved into the personal journeys that many embark on when they start to scratch the surface of their family history. Sindi reminisced about a genealogy pamphlet from the 1970s that ignited her passion and spoke about the significance of sharing family stories in a way that goes beyond dates and places, touching on the survival and resilience of our forebears.
The importance of preserving family history through sound recordings, artifacts, and even through published projects was examined, presenting the idea that technology has revolutionized the way we maintain connections to our past. Sindi discussed her commitment to making genealogy appealing to all ages, using games, writing, and even repurposing family heirlooms into home decor to encourage interaction with one's heritage.
Engage with your genealogical past
An intriguing part of the interview focused on the creation of genealogy activity books, where Sindi detailed how she integrated various activities to engage family members. These books not only provide fun but also serve as educational tools that foster an interest in one's lineage. The episode also touched on Cindy's practice of journaling, underscoring the value of handwritten memories and the evocative details that bring them to life.
Recipes and storytelling
The conversation took a delicious turn when Sindi shared her approach to writing and publishing recipe stories, linking food and family history. She conveyed the emotional journey of turning a beloved family recipe into a children's book, a process that helps preserve memories through the shared experience of cooking and storytelling.
Holiday recipes and their connection to family history also made it to the table, where Sindi and I spoke about the traditions and ingredients that were dear to our ancestors. The episode concluded with Sindi sharing a dramatic story from the 1750s involving her Acadian family and the trials they faced, which reinforced the significance of documenting and preserving family narratives for future generations.
Cherish your own generational stories
This interview with Sindi Terrien was not just a discussion; it was an invitation to honor the unsung heroes of our lineage and to keep their stories alive. It reminded us that each family has a treasure trove of tales waiting to be told, and it is our responsibility to curate and cherish these stories for the generations to come.
Learn more about Sindi’s work
Check out her blog My Many Mothers where she shares biographies of her great-grandmothers.
She has also written books to inspire future genealogists: Genealogy Fun While Developing New Genealogists and Fun With Genealogy: Activity Book
Looking for more writing support?
For help getting started check out my free resource Family Tree Story Starters: Simple yet powerful templates and prompts to start writing your family stories!
Check out my book Bridging Your Past and Future: The Top 10 Items to Include When Documenting Your Personal History.