A 14 Generation Family Tree Mural In My Dorm at Duke
One way to share your passion for genealogy (or anything) with your friends
I got back to campus a week before everybody else in January, 2022. Staring at my blank, white wall, with time to spare, I had an idea: I should draw my family tree on it.
It took four full days — working through nights and the quiet days — but it came together! Eleven feet long and four feet tall. I even made a (slightly goofy) video of it from start to finish.
But my favorite part was something I had not considered when I started drawing it. It caught my friends’ interest and sparked daily conversations about genealogy. Guests in our room stopped in their tracks, stared at it, and had lots of questions. And, when you are always reviewing something, you get new ideas! Seeing the diagram every time I woke up, got ready for the day, and folded my laundry inspired new research angles. It casually puts genealogy on your mind 24/7.
Tip: Visuals grab attention! And, they keep your mind active. Sure, tell your friends and family about your genealogy pursuits. But nothing triumphs over a good visual. I learned that by drawing this on my dorm wall. Anybody who visited our room immediately understood why genealogy research is exciting. And, it is fun to show your friends another dimension of your life!
Jack Palmer is a History and Psychology double-major at Duke University. I’ve done genealogy research since I was 10 and love writing about it for family, friends, and anybody else who might enjoy a blast from the past.
Amazing. I only know my grandparents who were Armenian Genocide survivors and they passed when I was very young. I do not know any other family or family tree. You are so fortunate and I really really appreciate what you have done here and I am certain you will develop more. Best to you. Would like to hear all about the people, places, etc as well --- cheers
I Love it! Keep it up Jack! I’ve traced my American roots to 1690 in Virginia and one branch dates back to the 16th Century Austria – so much fun! Wish we could time travel! Enjoy your opportunities at Duke- it is a very special place! Ironic, I have Palmer relatives from NC too :) -S. Tedder, MD (BS- Trinity ‘88, MD ‘92)