Roots Television | Megan's Roots World

Chris Dunham of The Genealogue recently posted The Downside of Digitization about an upcoming interview with Emily Heinlen on the Irish Roots Cafe.

Ms. Heinlen recently wrote a paper arguing that digitized genealogy databases have hurt tourism in Ireland. In my mind, she has it entirely backwards.

First, speaking as someone of half-Irish origin, I have to say that Ireland records -- regrettably -- are still among the most under-digitized in the world. They are not nearly as accessible as English, Scottish, Welsh, Swedish, Danish or other records.

But more to the point, I think even the limited availability of records encourages travel to Ireland. I went to Ireland back in 2003 in search of one of my 6 Irish lines (you can read about it here -- and yes, I benefitted from the dearth of fellow travelers, but as Chris pointed out, that had more to do with 9/11 than any databases), and I'll be going back again this year -- this time for a Nelligan reunion.

These trips are more because of what I've been able to learn than in spite of it. Who wants to go to another country on a random roots quest -- say, armed with nothing more than a county of origin -- and hope to stumble into your heritage? If you know a thing or two, such as the town or parish your family is from, I think you're much more apt to visit. In fact, my own rule of thumb is that I only get to visit for reunions or when I've uncovered a new townland of origin.

So I'll listen, but she's going to have to be mighty persuasive!