LibraryScenariosHow to approach traumatic ancestry research
Scenario

How to approach traumatic ancestry research

I can trace my family back to enslaved people but I don't know if I want to dig deeper because I'm afraid of what I'll find.

Hypatia
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

The desire for historical truth conflicts with emotional self-protection when confronting ancestral trauma.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Genealogy & Family History?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.