Re-sharing a great informative post from the Library of Congress

January 13, 2014 by Erin Allen
(The following is a guest post by James Sweany, head of Local History and Genealogy in the Humanities and Social Sciences Division.)

The best way to preserve your family history is to write it down. By publishing your family history, you are able to capture and preserve the stories, pictures and genealogical data, making it available for other family members and future generations. A history of your family will make a wonderful gift for your relatives, and you may find that your family becomes inspired to help you seek out additional family branches.

As my colleague Anne Toohey wrote in her blog post on Christmas Day, by writing your family history, you are taking the known names, dates and places of your ancestors, and providing a historical context in a story-like form. This way, your ancestors become much more than names on a pedigree chart. They become people who lived during an earlier time, who had experiences through which you and others can get to know them through your narrative. If you include photographs and images of vital records or other significant events, the text will come alive and will be much more interesting for the reader.

The key to making your family history useful to others is the organization. A table of contents and an index of names and places used in your history will take additional time, but these added details will be very useful to future researchers consulting your history. Also, it is very important to document your research. By compiling and publishing a family history, you are inviting others to continue your research. Cite your records and document your sources.  With documentation, others can build upon on the work you have done, and your history is more credible. There are various style manuals that can assist you with citation styles for footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies. If you decide to distribute your family history outside of your immediate family, be sure not to include personal information about people who are still living in order to protect their privacy.

The Library of Congress can help you find books about writing and publishing your family history. For example, how-to guidebooks that will help you organize your family history and resources on how to find a publisher can be identified in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. We invite you to seek guidance from our reference librarians through Ask a Librarian.  For assistance with resources that may be found in your local area, consult your public or nearby university library to search other library catalogs. Local genealogical societies and historical societies are also great resources for additional guidance.

When you write your family history, you may only be doing so for your relatives. However, we also invite you to consider sending a copy to the Library of Congress. Compiled genealogies and U.S. local histories are very important to the international research clientele who frequent the institution. The Library seeks to collect all published and self-published works available on these important topics. Through generations of such gifts, the Library has assembled the leading book collection of genealogy and local history information in the world.
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And who knows, perhaps not yet discovered relatives will be led back to your family line through your sharing of your family story!

By  Robert Smith (originally published December 2, 2020)

The term “Silent Generation” was first documented in a 1951 Time magazine article, which claimed that the most startling fact about this generation was its silence: “By comparison with the Flaming Youth of their fathers and mothers, today's younger generation is a still, small flame.”

The generation’s “silent” behavior has been attributed to the difficult times in which they were born, as well as their coming of age during McCarthyism. Though the Silent Generation is known for traditionalist behavior and a desire to work within the system rather than to change it, many not-so-silent and untraditional members of this generation shaped the world in significant ways.

The Birth Years of the Silent Generation
As with all generations, the birth years given for the Silent Generation vary depending on who creates the evaluation or defines the term. An often-used range, however, is 1928–1945. These years span from the beginning of the Great Depression to the end of World War II. People born during this time are also sometimes called “Radio Babies” or “Traditionalists.”

The term “Silent Generation” mainly refers to people living in the United States, but in some other parts of the world, war and economic trouble led to similar characteristics and behaviors in people born during this time.

Who Are the Silent Generation?
The oldest members of this generation were born at or near the beginning of the Great Depression. They were children during World War II and came of age during the 1950s and 60s. This generation is significantly smaller than their predecessors, those of the Greatest Generation, and smaller than the next generation, the Baby Boomers.

Many scholars believe that the Silent Generation’s low birth rate was due to the uncertainty and difficult conditions of the time, which meant that fewer people felt secure in starting families and raising children. The Silent Generation, as well as the Greatest Generation, were the parents of the Baby Boomers.

Characteristics of the Silent Generation
The Silent Generation began life in some of the most difficult conditions, including the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and economic and political uncertainty. The circumstances surrounding their upbringing led many of this generation to adopt cautious, conscientious behavior. The members of this generation also often have the characteristics described below.

• The Silent Generation is thrifty. Members of this generation were born at a time when, because of war rationing and economic uncertainty, some of their parents could barely afford to feed them. This tragic situation led to a new way of thinking about resources, and these children found themselves raised with thriftiness in mind.
• The Silent Generation is respectful. Members of this generation typically have a deep respect for authority. They often worked in the same job or company for the majority of their careers.
• The Silent Generation is loyal. Members of this generation are not only loyal to their careers but also to their religious beliefs, their relationships, and their families. They value stability and likewise are stable and dependable.
• The Silent Generation is determined. This generation experienced many difficult times and challenges. Survival required grit and strength and a strong sense of determination.

Their Slice of History
Korean War
The soldiers sent to Korea during the Korean War were primarily from the Silent Generation. While this conflict is sometimes referred to as the “Forgotten War,” it has not been forgotten by this generation. The conflict defined a significant part of their lives and deepened the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. Many brave soldiers lost their lives.

McCarthyism and the Red Scare
The McCarthy era was one of fear and enforced conformity. It got its name from United States Senator Joseph McCarthy but was a widespread phenomenon. During this time, many people in the United States feared communist spies or communist sympathizers. Because of this fear, some government officials began screenings and trials to determine loyalty. Many citizens were accused and lost their careers, and some were imprisoned. Joseph McCarthy is most remembered for his investigations, which are often compared to witch hunts. Due to this social turmoil in their early adulthood, those of the Silent Generation would try keep their heads down.

​Civil Rights Movement
While the generation may be called silent, many of the most influential voices in the civil rights movement were a part of this generation. These civil rights activists were anything but silent, advocating for change and equality. Nearly all the great leaders of the civil rights movement were a part of the Silent Generation. Martin Luther King Jr., born in 1929, was one of the most influential leaders at that time. The Little Rock Nine Students, born during the years 1940–1942, were among the first to integrate schools. These members of the Silent Generation, along with other members of the Silent Generation who were involved in this historic movement, were incredibly influential and inspiring.

The Silent Generation in Your Family
Who in your family tree is a part of the Silent Generation? What were their experiences during their lives? Learn more about your family’s story by exploring your family tree and recording their memories and experiences.

Photo Credit: National Archives and Records Administration

DID YOU KNOW... The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) is a virtual online library that gives Tennessee residents access to magazines, journals, newspapers, essays, e-books, primary source materials, test preparation, homework help, genealogy records, career search, and more! TEL resources are available free to the public from any computer with Internet access in Tennessee. That's access to more than 400,000 electronic resources including magazines, scholarly journals, podcasts, videos, e-books, test preparation materials, federal census records and Tennessee primary source materials!

The Tennessee Electronic Library is made possible through funding provided by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and TEL is administered by the Tennessee State Library and Archives, a division of the Tennessee Department of State.

The following databases are available thru TEL and maybe useful for genealogical research. 
 
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers - Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1789-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present including 125 newspapers from Tennessee. 
Digital Library of Tennessee - The Digital Library of Tennessee provides free access to unique materials from museums, libraries, and archives across the state.
Digital Public Library of America - The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) brings together the riches of America’s libraries, archives, and museums, and makes them freely available to the world. 
HeritageQuest Online - Collection of genealogical and historical sources, with coverage dating back to the 1700s. Search U.S. census records, full-text family and local history books, Freedman's Bank records and more.
Knoxville News Sentinel - *NEW RESOURCE* - The Knoxville News Sentinel is a daily newspaper founded in Knoxville, Tennessee. It covers the news in Knoxville and the surrounding area from the 1880s to today. 
Memphis Commercial Appeal - *NEW RESOURCE* -The Memphis Commercial Appeal is a daily newspaper founded in Memphis,Tennessee. It covers the news in Memphis and the surrounding area from the 1840s to today. 
Newspapers.com Southeast Edition - *NEW RESOURCE* - Newspapers.com Southeast Edition provides access to newspapers from the southeast United States including 2000+ historical and recent newspapers in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Tennessee Records on Ancestry.com - Tennessee records, including birth, death, and tax lists are available online thru a partnership with Ancestry.com. While other Ancestry.com resources require a subscription; these records are free for Tennesseans. 
Tennessee State Library & Archives Digitized Books - The Tennessee State Library & Archives has digitized a selection of out-of-copyright books in order that they may be accessible online for researchers.
Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA) - Digital repository of Tennessee history and culture featuring historical records, photographs, documents, maps, postcards, film, audio and other original materials of enduring value. 
The Tennessean (1812 - 2009) - Digitized pages of The Tennessean (1812-2009) provide unique historical insight into the regional issues and concerns, such as local government, industrialization, prohibition, and racial struggles. 
The Tennessean (2010-Present) - *NEW RESOURCE* - Full color issues of The Tennessean newspaper with a seven day delay from publication. Provides Nashville and Middle Tennessee regional coverage. 

PRESS RELEASE

​The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) is pleased to announce that registration is open for virtual classes from July 11-13, 2023. Click HERE to register
 
Registrants can select from four educational Tracks available over three days for the intense study of African American Genealogy:
 
Track 1A: Fundamental Research Methods and Strategies 
                  “Research, Analyze, Formulated the Question and Learn”
       
           1B:  Methods and Strategies for Slave Era Research
                  “Learn New Strategies to explore and analyze Slave Era Resources.
 
Track 2A: DNA & Genealogy – This is a beginner class with a focus on understanding the various DNA testing sites and how to analyze DNA results.
 
           2B:  DNA & Genealogy - This class is for individuals that have grasped the fundamentals of DNA testing and are offered strategies to analyze results and delve into the use of third-party tools.
  
Track 3: Intermediate Genealogy: Pre & Post Slavery Era Research 
                “Skill building, methodology, technology enhancement, researching slave records”
 
Track 4:  Freedmen of the Five Tribes:  Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole Genealogy – “Learn the methods of researching and documenting your history”
 

REASONS TO ATTEND MAAGI

• Improve your research methodology and enhance your critical thinking skills in research analysis.
• Learn from nationally recognized genealogy lecturers
• Obtain consultation, instruction, and analysis from experienced faculty.
• Network: Join a unique group in the evening for problem-solving and discussion of classwork

 
MAAGI:  THE TEACHING INSTITUTE
 
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/643868735641328   
Follow us on Twitter @MAAGIInstitute 
 e-mail:  maagiinstitute@gmail.com

​“We are excited to welcome guests to the Library & Archives and to have David Ewing, the foremost expert on Tennessee’s Centennial Celebration, kick off our Lunchtime Speaker Series,” said Chuck Sherrill, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist.

​This Lunchtime Speaker Series event will be in-person and livestreamed on the Library & Archives’ Facebook page and the Secretary of State’s YouTube channel. In-person attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. This event is free to the public. To make a reservation to attend in person, visit bit.ly/TN225TCC. Seating is limited.

After the presentation, in-person attendees can view items related to Tennessee’s Centennial Celebration from Ewing’s and the Library & Archives’ collections. In-person attendees can also take a guided tour of the new facility.

The Library & Archives is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North on Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, across from the Tennessee State Museum. Parking is available for guests in the Library & Archives garage on Jackson Street/Junior Gilliam Way.

The Library & Archives’ other Lunchtime Speaker Series events will take place on Nov. 5, Feb. 11 and May 6. Topics for these events include Native American life and culture in early Tennessee, how Tennessee earned the Volunteer State nickname through service in military conflicts and how Tennessee’s topography and geology impacted where pioneers settled.

For the latest information about the Lunchtime Speaker Series, follow the Library and Archives social media channels, Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives.

To make a reservation to attend the Lunchtime Speaker Series in person, visit bit.ly/TN225TCC. To learn more about the Library and Archives or schedule a research visit, call 615-741-2764, email ask@tsla.libanswers.com or visit sos.tn.gov/tsla/plan-your-visit.
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Aug. 12 - Genealogy Help Night: Jonesborough-Washington County Library, 200 Sabin Drive, Jonesborough, from 6 to 7 pm.​