Recently the family search blog posted an article regarding the difference between Genealogy and Family History.
I have always thought of them as two distinct things. Genealogy has been about the people who have passed on. In particular dates and such. But Family History is about stories and photos.
My maternal grandmother was very much into genealogy. She spent about 50-60 years working on genealogy research. She was able to find many people. My religion emphasizes the importance of genealogy and encourages all members to participate in genealogy. I was not interested in doing the research. I had a hard time sitting still and my brain went into immediate meh when it came to genealogy. But I did enjoy stories.
In college I took a class on preserving family history. I loved the idea of interviewing family members and doing what was necessary to have stories to pass on. I started a family newsletter in 2004 to help keep my extended family closer, but also to preserve our stories and photos throughout the year.
But I can see how these two words are unifying. It's important to know more than just names and dates. It is important to try and get to know these people who have gone on before who are our family. It is also important to make sure that we also pass on stories and photos to be included with our names and dates.
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