Alex Haley taught us to search for our roots in the 70s. Since then, the past time to find one’s ancestors has risen greatly and many organizations and professionals have come to give us a hand. The study of family is not new. It is as old as the Bible. The Old Testament and the New Testament both have pages and pages of genealogy. The Royalty of Europe traced their genealogy back to the beginning of the Christian era to prove their right as heirs to their kingdoms.

Today, we collect our family histories and the genealogy of our forefathers to learn who we are and to give us a sense of belonging. Alex Haley said,

“Tracing ancestors as far back as possible has brought to many people great satisfaction and pleasure. Even documenting one's family thoroughly for but a few generations can prove just as exciting and fulfilling as a more sketchy documentation across two or three centuries. Each individual ancestral relative previously unknown and genealogically discovered is its own special thrill! No less thrilling is the discovery of records rich with information, which would have remained untouched, which would never have come to light, unless you had gotten caught up in the multiple, magnetic lures of genealogy. “

Alex Haley Foreward in Ethnic Genealogy: A Research Guide,by Jessie Carney Smith