Hi! I’m Dorene, also known as The Budding Genealogist.
My tale, much like yours, is woven with the threads of immigration, pioneers, abduction, and even occasional encounters with the madness of asylums.
My foray into the captivating world of genealogy was sparked by the compelling account of my grandmother, a resilient Holocaust survivor. Through her eyes, I glimpsed a harrowing past — tales of her own imprisonment, her husband toiling in labor camps, and her father succumbing to the horrors of a concentration camp. I embarked on this journey out of a profound curiosity, a desire to fathom how hatred could fuel such a horrific movement.
I often likened my grandmother’s story to a gripping mini-series, akin to the epic narratives crafted by James Michener. (And, yes, there’s even a family anecdote about a Jewish merchant journeying to Hawaii during the monarchy of King Ka laulau.) As I delved deeper into my maternal heritage, I felt an equal pull to explore the labyrinthine branches of my paternal lineage. Here, I stumbled upon a daytime soap opera, replete with families possessing an indomitable pioneer spirit. Among these sagas, I discovered a great-great grandfather tragically claimed by a drunk driving accident in the roaring twenties. There was also a great-great grandmother, her life marked by divorce, institutionalization in an insane asylum, and an unmarked grave as her final resting place.
I invite you to accompany me on this journey as I document these captivating individuals. Together, we will breathe life into their forgotten tales, giving names and context to lives that would otherwise languish in obscurity. Along our shared odyssey, I will share the invaluable tips and tricks I’ve unearthed, making the intricate process of genealogical exploration more accessible. If you so desire, I might even extend a helping hand, assisting you in unearthing the similar, extraordinary stories that have shaped your unique identity.
Join me, and together, let’s navigate the labyrinth of time, resurrecting the voices of the past and illuminating the intricate mosaic of our shared human history.
Dorene Nowatzke 