New member introducing myself

Question

I am now 80 years old, and my sons are now showing interest in their roots to pass onto their children.  I am the oldest of five girls, born in Bronxville, NY.  Am a bit apprehensive about sharing too much info at this point.  Would love to know more about my family's Anglo roots as I am going back to Scotland and England for a short visit in March.

Answer 1

Hi Dale, and welcome to WikiTree! You can look at the privacy tab on individual profiles to determine how much of the information you enter is displayed to the public. Another strategy is to just start with your grandparents, for instance. Their information probably isn't very sensitive, but again, apply the privacy level you are comfortable with.

And, may I say, how wonderful that you have the opportunity to go to Scotland and England! It would be so much fun to "walk in your ancestors' footsteps!"

Answer 2

Hey Dale, I am not a greeter but, Welcome to Wiki Tree! Most of the biographical information is easily accessible and public record, Any personal information can be left out. I have to admit, finding documented phrases or details of events of my ancestor from 2, 3, or 400 years ago is fun/exciting/interesting/disturbing at bare minimum educational. Sometimes it is the opposite Sometimes you have the phrase or historic quote i.e. "He who shall not work, shall not eat" and never know you were related to he who said it, until you connect some dots if you will. Hope you enjoy---kevin

Answer 3

Greetings and welcome aboard!    

The answers given are spot on.  And it is a lot of fun to get to know some of the stories of your ancestors, as well as some of the mysteries.

That said, I have a slightly different take on family information privacy for your ancestors.  As you peruse various sources, including this (fantastic) group, you will find a lot of information that is already public and leads directly to you and your family.   

So while I am loathe to give out personally identifying information as a general rule, I feel that piecing together information about folks (my ancestors) living a century ago is low risk.   That is to say, it's already out there . . . especially for the Strongs!

Genetic information is a totally different thing . . . I won't go there.