Book Review: Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy

Penny Walters has written an amazing book every genealogy and military research should read. It's called Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy by Penny Walters.

Why is this book important?

Penny outlines many potential ethical dilemmas faced by genealogy and military researchers. A few include: How do we handle things like secrets uncovered? Knowledge of a DNA match to someone the family didn't know existed? How does a professional provide potentially emotionally damaging information to a client - or do they? Do you celebrate when you find a criminal in your family? These are only the tip of the iceberg.

How do we handle these things? Penny's book shows us how through numerous examples and case studies. Her book covers:

• What are ethical dilemmas?
• Ethical dilemmas in genealogy.
• DNA Testing
• Adoption
• Ethnicity and Identity
• Potted History & Potential Future of Genealogy

Why did I want to read this book?

As a 20+ year genealogist and 10+ year military research professional, I purchased Penny's book to explore the deeper layers of this work I do, that most of us do, that people are not as willing to discuss. As I move more into energy healing, ancestral lineage healing and helping families explore family patterns and go deeper than names, dates, places, battles, etc., Penny's book shed light on areas in which I have not worked or needed to consider, like Adoption.

Now working with adoptees through private facilitation sessions, I have more tools in my toolbox to help them navigate their journey. I have more questions to ask as they write their stories and explore their personal truths. The remainder of Penny's book also provides a lot of questions we can ask ourselves or our clients. Broader questions I think that should be discussed in the larger genealogy community also - something many are afraid to do because of taboo subjects and worries about offending someone. I think if we set those things aside and open up to these important questions, we can change and heal so much in our families and histories and the world.

Penny's book is one I will be recommending to my clients and using further in my many projects, classes, webinars, and research work.

Disclosure: The book link is an affiliate link. It does not affect the price you pay.

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