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A Resolution to Designate October as Family History Month:From: Senator Orrin G. Hatch, UTAH It is with great enthusiasm that I write to ask you to cosponsor my resolution that will dedicate the Month of October of each year as "Family History Month." Within the last month some 14,167,329 people researched their family history and 24 million people have used the Web and email to locate or hunt for family or friends with whom they had lost touch. Researching ancestry is a very important component to self identity. It can lead to long-sought-after family reunions or life saving stories like that of Nancy Andjelich Margraff. Nancy's story, found in the book In Search of Our Ancestors by Megan Smolenyak, helps to illustrate the need for public attention to the important subject of family history. Nancy started showing signs of an illness that afflicted her father who died suddenly at the age of 39. At the time her mother was told that her father had a rare illness that caused the cerebral hemorrhage that killed him. After Nancy learned she had this deadly illness, she began corresponding with the Minister of Health in Zagreb, Croatia. He kindly accepted and distributed informational packets that Nancy put together regarding the diagnosis and treatment of her illness. She disseminated the informational packets to her extended family members, many of whom are alive today because they were identified through family history research that lead to the early diagnosis and treatment of their affliction. At present, there are some 2,500 genealogical societies in the United States that represent approximately a million people who belong to these groups. One such group, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, represents around 560 genealogical societies and ultimately at least a half million individuals. There is no doubt that the study of family history is growing in popularity and is an important tool in researching ethnic identity and genetic health concerns. I urge you to join me in supporting the millions of American men and women who have researched their family history by co-sponsoring the Family History Resolution. For more information on this resolution or to add your name as a co-sponsor, please contact Chris Campbell in my office at (202) 224-4412.
Orrin G. Hatch United States Senator |
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