Family history is something that intrigues many people. They want to know more about who they are and where their family came from. In Colorado Springs, residents can attend a two-day expo to do just that. Celebrating Family History is a company that helps people to conduct family history research. Holly Hansen, founder of Celebrating Family History and Family History Expos, explains, "We have seen people that get into family history and learn about themselves and why they are the way they are."

People can learn more about using the resources available to them such as Google, newspapers, books, directories, and more. It does not have to cost a lot to research the past because there are so many options that people can access and people that can guide them in their searching. At the expo attendees can buy books about all aspects of family history, participate in classes and workshops, and talk to professional genealogists.

When beginning to explore one's past, James Tanner urges people to look at the big picture and consider the entire story. Some people are tempting to look for parents' names, but there is much more to it than that. Tanner has more than 30 years of experience in genealogical research. "It's not just birth records that are important," he says, "but insurance documents, housing details, car records, and other artifacts." All of things are pieces of the puzzle of how families developed and expanded through the years. It is important to look at all of the members of the family to gain a better understanding.

Advances in technology and the Internet have made it even easier for people to research their past. They can create an online family tree that can link many members together. This can help others in their search because they can find how they connect. Even if a family tree does not already exist, records and documents can help people to discover their ancestors and build their own.

It was through online research that Sonya Wooldridge Sengson discovered her family's ties to the Revolutionary War and found out how they came to America. "The Internet is a powerful tool," she says. "There are so many websites available that give you names, dates, and stories. Through researching I found out that members of both sides of my family came to the United States as indentured servants in the mid-1600s. Some of them even fought in the Revolutionary War. This helped to give me an even deeper connection to my past and inspire me to keep exploring." Sonya Wooldridge Sengson encourages everyone to find out more about their past and what makes their family unique, as it can help to create a better sense of personal identity.

ABOUT:

Sonya Wooldridge Sengson is a registered pharmacist and owner of Atlanta-based Servant Health Group. The company is a pharmaceutical distribution company that provides services and supplies to long-term care facilities. They offer specialized packaging, consulting, and electronic order entry. In her free time, Sengson enjoys reading and learning about American history and traveling to historical sites. She is also a strong supporter of philanthropy, donating to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and encouraging each branch of her company to get involved with charitable organizations.