Submitted by Leona Baker, Historical Society of Salisbury Township

It is holiday time again, which means thoughts of family get-togethers and a perfect time to delve into family history.

Many cultures have special storytellers who study for years learning family or tribal history. Although today those stories could be written down, the cadence of vocal recollections adds so much to the telling.

But not all of us have that tradition. Fortunately, more records are being digitally filed for public use. We can't all find family names in books or online, but that does not mean that our great-grandfather's family failed to contribute to community history. Family members may ask, "What was it that Grandmother once said about how the family crossed the mountains into Germany in the 1500s to escape persecution? "Or, "Is it true that, as an 8-year-old, Great-Grandmother saved her sister from being run over by a car?" There are interesting stories but if not retold, who will remember them?

For those whose roots extend back more than one generation in Pennsylvania, Lancaster County or Salisbury Township, there are ways to research history. People may look into marriage records or obituaries of the generation before them online because they usually give parental names, which can lead a person back another generation. Was Grandpa a laborer, a schoolteacher or a doctor? Union or national and state professional associations may offer clues. Knowing the state in which Grandpa resided might narrow the search.

Check genealogy sites: Names are being added every day. If you checked a site one three years ago, try again today. An unknown family member may have already done some now-public genealogical research. If FindAGrave.com or Ancestry.com failed you when you typed in your grandfather's surname as he spells it today, search for other ways that name is spelled.

Can't find the male line? Try researching the female line. For example, in September's From The Attic column, a history of the Todd family was highlighted. Pamela Todd descended from an immigrant who stayed in Lancaster County. But Mary Todd Lincoln descended from that same man's brother who had moved to Kentucky. And that genealogical record is extensive, so the connection was easy to find.

If an ancestor's state, county or township of residence is known, contact those local historical societies. This can sometimes bring surprising results. Thanks to astute sleuthing by an Historical Society of Salisbury Township researcher, it was discovered that a person who called the local society really meant to get in touch with the Salisbury Township Historical Society, located near Erie, where the lady found great success.

And never overlook seemingly unrelated findings. Census records are good resources. The agents go door to door recording all who are in a particular home at the time.

So listen when a grandparent begins, "Well, grandfather used to tell me ..." or "I remember when I was small ..."Be thankful and treasure those "I remembers." They led us to who we are today.

Those with questions about their family history are invited to contact the Historical Society of Salisbury Township for help. Through research, the society has facilitated several family reunions in the township.

Initial research for members is free. For more information, search for "Historical Society of Salisbury Township" on Facebook.