Memorable moments become landmarks in a family’s history

This week as the nation remembers the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, those alive then will reflect on where they were when they heard the news.

In many family stories, we are often faced with similar landmark memories and have to figure out when they happened. The Pandemic Years (20202022) will be one of those for future generations.

I can remember older relatives speaking of when it snowed while they were chopping cotton, a date in the late fall. My life has been marked by the tornado that hit our neighborhood (April, 1953) and Hurricane Camille that hit the U. S. Air Force Base where I was stationed ( July, 1969).

While historians clearly recall the dates of major events, future generations will no doubt have to be reminded of the dates for World War I and other wars.

Recently I recalled a reply from a county clerk who wrote that the DeKalb County Courthouse records were lost when Sherman came through in 1842. What is wrong with that so-called memory? Well, for one, Sherman came through Georgia in 1864, but left the DeKalb County Courthouse intact, although there was a loss pre-1842, due to a fire, not a war.

Always document when you can whatever statement is made to you about local records and their existence. People can say birth records were lost, when there were not any kept at that time. Never created is not the same as made and then lost. So, in writing or transcribing a family story, always add in brackets to clarify a specific date that you know for certain in order to keep the story on track.

So where were you when JFK was assassinated? What other major events are burned into your history?

Photograph research identification

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One of the best places to go for expert advice and publications on how to identify historic photos, especially family photos, is Maureen Taylor’s website maureentaylor.com. Check out her books, lectures, blog and podcast. She is known as “The Photo Detective” for good reason.

South Caroliniana Library

The University of South Carolina’s South Caroliniana Library (sc.edu) has reopened in Columbia. Check online for their hours and collections.