North American genealogy societies can benefit from survey conducted in France

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The results of a recent survey conducted in France about people’s interest in family history could benefit genealogy societies who want to learn how to attract more members.

According to the national survey conducted for Genealogie.com by OpinionWay in February 2015, in one out of every two families (57%) someone has done some family history research.

The French see genealogy as a way to increase their understanding of their origins, better know their ancestors, and share their family history with their children.

Despite this interest in family history, the majority of people surveyed think it is a complicated activity, better left for the experts.

I suspect the results of a survey in Canada and the United States would produce similar results.

Almost 90% expressed an interest in learning about their ancestors
In France, interest in genealogy is strong. Almost nine out of 10 people (87%) say they feel genealogy is interesting (53%) or very interesting (34%).

Demographics
French women and people 50 years old and older have the strongest interest in genealogy.

Genealogy linked to positive values
The survey revealed genealogy is linked to positive values and a desire to feel connected. A large majority of those who participated said genealogy corresponds to a search for a purpose (77%), a need to share (74%), and a way to meet people (70%).

If a distant cousin came knocking at the door, looking for family history information, 76% of respondents said they would be thrilled (22%) or curious (54%) to meet them.

Majority of respondents feel connected to a place
Genealogy connects us with our roots and a particular region. More than three quarters (78%) said they feel a connection to a particular region, the place where they were born, the place where their family comes from, or where they family lives now.

Top 5 reasons people started genealogy
The top five reasons why some of the respondents (230) became involved in genealogy were: family reunion (21%), request for information from a family member (19%), death (18%), website (17%), and retirement (17%).

Unable to go back three generations
Despite expressing an attachment to their roots, 42% of those surveyed do not know the names of their great-grandparents. Only 11% could name five or more great-grandparents.

Genealogy perceived as complicated
This paradox of the French knowing little about their ancestors, yet feeling strongly attached to their roots, can be explained in part by the perception that genealogy is a complicated hobby. The majority think genealogy is somewhat difficult (67%) or very difficult (19%). Four out of 10 see genealogy as an activity for specialists because of the enormity of the task (67%), difficulty in accessing documents (65%), and lack of time (58%). Almost half (47%) say they have no idea where to start.

Internet seen as essential
Not surprisingly, the internet plays an important role in the growth of interest in genealogy. A majority of respondents consider the internet very useful, even essential (64%), and for 17%, the internet was the trigger that got them started. 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Do we make genealogy attractive?
Are genealogists and genealogy societies seen as elitist? Are we too demanding about how research should be conducted? Do non-genealogists think all research requires meticulous notetaking, strict rules, and spending long hours in dark, dusty libraries — alone?

Changing people’s perceptions is what genealogy societies need to do if they hope to thrive and grow.

Look at how Ancestry promotes itself. The people in their commercials tend to be less than middle-age, smiling, and learning with family members. Research is made to look fun and exciting. Is this what societies need to do? Should we make family history research look fun and easy? Or should we stick to the 1980s view that genealogy is a hobby for retired people who like to work alone amid stacks of old books?

The survey was held from February 17 to 23, 2015, and 1,019 people, 18 years and older, took part. A summary of the report is available on Genealogie.com.

Genealogie.com is a Paris-based website that contains more than 600 million records. More than seven million people are registered on the site. A major project underway is to digitize, transcribe, and index all 19th century French civil records.