Reflections from an Ancestors unKnown research volunteer

In 2024, Ancestors unKnown recruited research volunteers to help Ancestors unKnown, Nederland students in Amsterdam find new details about their ancestors. Our volunteers shared their expertise in researching family histories around the world, including Nigeria, Turkey, and the United States. Their research was especially valuable for children whose ancestors lived outside the Netherlands and have little or no representation in local archives. We’re so grateful to have such passionate individuals contribute to our mission.

Want to learn more about our volunteers? Read on to discover what inspires a young genealogist from Nigeria.

By Chukwudi E. Ewa

Hi, my name is Chukwudi E. Ewa, and I’m a genealogist from Nigeria. You might be wondering, “What’s a genealogist?” Well, it’s someone who researches their family history and helps others do the same. I first discovered genealogy when I was just 13 years old. My dad was super passionate about it, and I’d watch him work on it all the time. That’s what sparked my interest.

Now, as a 22-year-old, I’ve spent years researching my family’s history and helping others learn about theirs. It might seem odd to spend so much time looking for names, photos, and stories about people who lived a long time ago, but for me, it’s a meaningful and exciting journey. Here’s why it’s so important to me:

1. Making Others Happy

When I started, I wasn’t researching my own family. Instead, I was a volunteer at my Church, helping others look into their family history. It was amazing to see how happy people got when I found answers to their questions or helped them discover a long-lost family member’s name or story. Their excitement made me feel happy too! That joy is one of the reasons I keep doing this work.

2. Getting to Know My Family

I never met my paternal grandfather. He passed away during the Nigerian Civil War when my dad was very young. My maternal grandfather died from an illness when I was just a little kid, so I barely remember him. Growing up, I was super curious about what they were like and what kind of lives they lived.

I started asking my dad and uncle questions about their memories of my grandfather. I found out that he was a carpenter and one of the wealthiest people in his community. Knowing this made me feel proud and connected to him. I also learned about my maternal grandfather from my mom, including how he overcame struggles to provide for his family. Learning about their lives made me feel closer to them and inspired me to keep searching for more stories.

3. Discovering Who I Am

Researching my family’s past has helped me figure out who I am and where I come from. When I learn about the challenges my ancestors overcame, I feel stronger. It’s like their stories remind me that I can overcome my challenges too.

Knowing my family’s history also motivates me to make good choices. I want to live in a way that honors the values my family has passed down, and I want to set a good example for the generations who will come after me.

4. Saving Stories for the Future

One of the coolest things about family history is that I’m creating a treasure chest of stories, photos, and documents for the future. I don’t want my kids or grandkids to have to struggle to learn about their ancestors like I did. I want them to have easy access to their history so they can feel the same sense of connection and pride that I feel.

Conclusion

For me, family history is more than just a project—it’s a way to connect with my roots and make a difference in the lives of others. It helps me understand myself better, feel closer to my family, and preserve our stories for the future.

Genealogy isn’t just about the past; it’s also about the present and the future. It’s exciting, rewarding, and something I’m passionate about sharing with others. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll want to dig into your own family history too!

Want to Get Involved with Ancestors unKnown like Chukwudi? Sign up to be a volunteer!