The quest for family

Four new television shows are banking on genealogical research to create a real buzz among viewers.

No, you didn't misread that. It said genealogical research.

People, it seems, are beginning to see family research as an interesting puzzle — as a noble quest that can lead them to nuggets of gold.

And that's good for the networks, good for individuals and — most of all — good for a self-absorbed society that too often fails to see past its own era.

According to David E. Rencher of FamilySearch.org, "The stars are colliding to pull it all together. … It doesn't matter where your history goes; it goes somewhere. The excitement is in uncovering that story."

Not since the miniseries "Roots" burst on the scene have so many souls gone poking through their family trees. And as with "Roots," they are not just looking for dates and names; they are looking for a narrative. They want to be told a story.

But then, genealogy always has viewed people as a segment of an ongoing story. They may not even be the star.

The discipline teaches them to see that what has gone before affects the present, and the present will affect things to come.

In short, genealogy teaches perspective. It shows people as a part of something larger than themselves. And such lessons can be vital.

In Utah, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has espoused such expansive feelings for more than 150 years. The Family History Library is, in effect, a monument to the big picture, for keeping things in context and looking past our own day. The good news is many others are starting to grasp the same concept.

Will the fad last?

One hopes. Sometimes fascinations move in cycles. They surface, then fall dormant until another generation comes along.

Rencher, however, believes the genealogy trend may be different. It may have staying power.

Yet even if it wanes, the fact family history can awaken such passions in people is a positive sign.

It shows human beings really want to learn more about themselves by learning about others.