Many of us inherited more from our parents and grandparents than just their nose or eye color. The skills, careers, or businesses that our ancestors worked to develop throughout their lifetimes can often become part of who we are as well. Perhaps that legacy is what inspires future generations to follow in their footsteps, or maybe it really does “run in the family.”
Either way, having an occupational heritage can inspire a deep connection and sense of purpose as we learn about our ancestors’ lives and see how their experiences influence our own.
The following three families have multiple generations that share a common occupation or talent. These common occupations are passed down through the years, and they tie generations together in a special bond of love. Read their stories, and then learn how you can discover your own ancestors’ occupations.
Your ancestors may have been shoemakers, sailors, coal miners, seamstresses, or so much more! Visit the Family Tree on FamilySearch to see what it can tell you about your ancestor’s occupation—or, use your free account to search billions of records and see what you can find.
