By Lauren Sullivan
of FamilySearch
An experienced Family Historian, Gina Long has mastered the art of balancing respect and truth. Though she is determined to gather an honest account of her family’s past, she will never do it at the expense of the trust and faith her family puts in her.
In the course of researching her great-grandfather several years ago, Gina interviewed several relatives over the phone. She dutifully recorded their long-stored memories and stories squirreled away until she came across Polly. Polly indicated that she had never had any children; but during a separate call, Polly’s cousin remarked that maybe Polly . . .
of FamilySearch
An experienced Family Historian, Gina Long has mastered the art of balancing respect and truth. Though she is determined to gather an honest account of her family’s past, she will never do it at the expense of the trust and faith her family puts in her.
In the course of researching her great-grandfather several years ago, Gina interviewed several relatives over the phone. She dutifully recorded their long-stored memories and stories squirreled away until she came across Polly. Polly indicated that she had never had any children; but during a separate call, Polly’s cousin remarked that maybe Polly . . .
Over the course of several months Gina also found out that when Polly and the children’s father had divorced, the father received custody of both children. The father and his mother raised the boy while an aunt adopted the girl. Gina conducted further research by looking into homeowners’ lists held by the State library, which confirmed the children’s names as well as their father’s. The children, being young when separated, had had no contact with each other until Gina reached out to each and gently presented her findings.
The girl was especially happy to be reunited with her brother and father through Gina’s efforts–referring to Gina as being “like her guardian angel.” Though Gina “has never met them face to face” she found her efforts to reunite these estranged members of her family “very rewarding” to her.
But Gina’s methods are just as noteworthy as her results. As she researches her family’s history, which she has done for many years through countless phone interviews as well as independent research, she has worked to earn the trust of each family member she talks to. “When you’re doing this kind of research…you have to establish rapport,” she insists “so that they’ll trust you.” For her, keeping a record of the truth “whatever the facts are” is the ultimate goal, but she also strives to be “respectful” of others’ “feelings.”
Gina’s teaching and volunteer work at her local Family History Center has helped countless visitors delve deeper into their family trees while her stories exemplify to many, the importance of balancing honest documentation with respect.
The girl was especially happy to be reunited with her brother and father through Gina’s efforts–referring to Gina as being “like her guardian angel.” Though Gina “has never met them face to face” she found her efforts to reunite these estranged members of her family “very rewarding” to her.
But Gina’s methods are just as noteworthy as her results. As she researches her family’s history, which she has done for many years through countless phone interviews as well as independent research, she has worked to earn the trust of each family member she talks to. “When you’re doing this kind of research…you have to establish rapport,” she insists “so that they’ll trust you.” For her, keeping a record of the truth “whatever the facts are” is the ultimate goal, but she also strives to be “respectful” of others’ “feelings.”
Gina’s teaching and volunteer work at her local Family History Center has helped countless visitors delve deeper into their family trees while her stories exemplify to many, the importance of balancing honest documentation with respect.
