Ancestry.com is a valuable resource for both genealogists and adoption searchers. Family history research is an effort to find one's roots whether one is adopted or not. It is an attempt to fit together the pieces of one’s life, and therefore, Genealogy is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States.

In a recent issue of a free weekly journal that Ancestry.com publishes, the subject was "Preserving Access to Records: What Can you do?" Juliana Smith covered some important points in this article. (You may sign up for the newsletter HERE. )

Preserving access to records is a hot topic in the genealogy community and it is also a subject of concern for adoption reform advocates as well.

As family historians, the closure of public records is an issue that is near and dear to our hearts. As governments struggle with the balance of allowing public access to records and privacy and security concerns, often the knee-jerk reaction is to simply seal off access.

The author says that even the hint of restrictions causes rumors to "begin flying through cyberspace that evil legislators are planning a vital records bonfire and wienie roast. Before we begin sharpening our pitchforks and lighting our torches, it’s important to do a little investigating first."

She suggests that if the rumors about pending legislation are true, you should oppose any proposed laws that you feel are unwarranted in restricting access. Join any local groups that have the same concerns and beliefs that you have. Legislators pay more attention when the numbers are there in opposing or lobbying for a bill. It is true that there is strength in numbers.

blockquote> We can sit back and cross our fingers and blindly hope that it all turns out all right, or we can educate ourselves on the issues and express our opinions to those who have been elected to represent us. The latter is a much more effective measure to take.

I agree with her thoughts and appreciate the concise, articulate manner in which she addressed this relevant issue. No matter what you believe in, and might wish to advocate for, her article is well worth reading.