Occupations: A Piece of Family History

You may have never thought of your career as a piece of family history, but it is! Have you ever wondered if your ancestors were carpenters, traders, farmers, architects, or perhaps even royalty? The careers your ancestors led come with intriguing stories and hint at the kinds of lives they led, what their social classes were, and what their interests were. The same is true about the jobs you and your family hold.

Take the time to learn about your ancestors’ occupations and preserve stories about your own jobs today. There’s no better time than now, and we’ve gathered ideas to help you get started on the research! You may even learn that you have more in common with some of your ancestors than you think.

How to Discover Your Ancestor’s Occupation

The Benefits of Carrying on the Family Business

They Did What?: Odd Occupations Quiz

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.

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