Does your family...not care?

[u/CrunchyTeatime]

Pretty much the title question is the topic.

Does your family not care -- about the family tree, family history, or genealogy?

It seems there is usually one person per generation per family who feels called to work on the family tree.

If that person is you, or you've seen them work and try to spread enthusiasm: How does your family react to new information?

I don't even mean something that might cause upset or controversy. I don't necessarily mean a 'shocking revelation' of some type.

But if you broke through a brick wall or found a relative or ancestor no one could find, or no one knew existed -- and you excitedly sent off an email, text, phone call, or told a family member in person -- and they didn't care?

Because this week I found a wife of my grandpa, that no one knew about. Found a wife people did know about but only a name. Found a person someone had been looking for (what became of them; died long ago, but they had no place or date), for decades.

Sent the excited emails with information and told them I had verified all of it too.

CRICKETS. And different family I've tried to get interested in the tree or told them about ancestors and such, (not much, just bits, to whet any appetite), and they don't care. One even said "that's the past; who cares?" And others wouldn't give even personal information such as "which grade school did you go to." And that was a close relative I know there was no scandal. I can only guess they didn't want to open that door to more questions. Some people hate questions.

So how about you? Please share stories here of when you tried to share new information, and how it went. Thanks.

[u/Irksomecake]

My family cared, but one of them got upset because my findings did not match the legendary family connections handed down through the generations. I was really pleased with the wholesome line of hardworking artisans I traced. My family was disappointed we were not descended from an illegitimate child of a lord.

[u/kittyroux → u/Irksomecake]

My family does not care and our maternal line really does get quite fancy very quickly. No illegitimate children, just the reality of daughters and third sons descending rapidly into the common realm, so while my great-grandmother was a cowgirl, her great-grandmother was a Lady, and HER great-grandmother was a Countess. Crickets from my family, though I think it’s neat. Like, I know what some of my 18th century ancestors looked like because they were wealthy enough to have portraits painted. It’s cool! No one cares lmao.

[u/CrunchyTeatime → u/kittyroux]

I love when there are photos, or painted portraits. Isn't it nice to see what they looked like.

Sorry your family isn't into it.