Family Tree rooted in cultural diversity

A new NBC series in collaboration with Ancestry.com will examine the labyrinth of cultural diversity contained in every person's ancestral roots.

I've learned the rewards of such a process first hand. My husband and I are currently involved in a project to examine the history of our family in Cuba. The family tree is beginning to look like a giant illustration of DNA. We've found that the bloodline is interlaced with strands from every continent and enriched with traditions from many cultures and ethnic groups.

Preserving a family frame of reference should be a top priority for every family. And the sad fact is that a generation of experts on family lore is quickly dying out. Don't wait! Get an audio recorder, a web cam or a simple paper and pen and sit down with elder members of your family. Pick their brains with simple questions such as:

1. What is the first thing you remember about your childhood?
2. What songs do you associate with your grandparents?
3. What do you think are the prominent family traits? From whom do you think they originate?

The main thing is to START the conversation and see where it leads you.