Duncan Posted January 29, 2022 Posted January 29, 2022 Does anyone know when and why the Church essentially got rid of the term "genealogy" and started with the terms temple and family history?
Calm Posted January 29, 2022 Posted January 29, 2022 (edited) 35 minutes ago, Duncan said: Does anyone know when and why the Church essentially got rid of the term "genealogy" and started with the terms temple and family history? I was told it was because genealogy was seen as just doing pedigree charts and not including the current generation while family history included all that plus journal keeping, helped promote the idea of family organizations rather than just off doing a hobby or getting your four generation work done. I can’t remember if I read this in ward librarian material or through my work at family history centers. Iow, I have no clue if official. I can research for documentation if you need it. Edited January 29, 2022 by Calm 1
Calm Posted January 29, 2022 Posted January 29, 2022 (edited) Do you remember around when the shift occurred? I remember it happening (the primary song was changed for example…Genealogy I am doing it…), but can’t remember when. Here is a talk about the difference from 2013. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/family-history-is-more-than-genealogy-and-theres-enough-for-all?lang=eng Added: 1987 was when the Library name was changed https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/why-was-the-name-of-the-genealogical-library-changed-to-the-family-history-library-in-1987 Quote In 1987, Elder James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve stated "It is hoped that ... we can simplify the approach to genealogy, and demystify it so that every member [of the LDS Church], regardless of training, will find it doable." "The stress on making genealogy 'doable' led to a significant change in the name of the Department ... In August 1987, the First Presidency [of the LDS Church] announced that the Genealogical Department would be called the Family History Department, and the name of the Genealogical Library (in Salt Lake City) would be changed to the Family History Library. Church leaders hoped this change would remove the implication that professional training was needed to pursue one's ancestry." (1) Quote Writing in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism (1992), Dr. David H. Pratt of Brigham Young University's History Department, recalled that "To emphasize the family nature of genealogy, the First Presidency in 1987 changed the name of the Genealogical Department to the Family History Department and the name of the Genealogical Library to the Family History Library." (3) I like the rhythm of just saying “genealogy” so while I understand and agree with the change***, I miss the old way. ***I was thought an oddball to be into genealogy. It was seen as obscure, like studying a new language back in the 70’s and 80’s when I was into it. My daughter being born in 90 put an end to that activity for me as very high maintenance. One couldn’t be just in the room with her, one had to be on the floor with her. By the time I had time and access again, health had my leisure time attention. I can’t say now what FH specialists are treated as, but given teens have been deciphering records for decades now, bet it is not seen as much of a mystery. Edited January 29, 2022 by Calm 1
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