Why This Website?

This website is dedicated to the collection and preservation of genealogical and historical information and materials associated with George Heinrich "Henry" Kunkle and his descendant.

They say that "time flies" and it surely does.  Just yesterday I looked into the mirror and I saw a kid ready to take on the world.  Today I looked into the mirror and saw a head of little hair and a face beginning to show some wear.  Just yesterday I was sitting on my Grandpa's lap, dunking a sugar cookie into his coffee cup.  Today, my grandson sits on my lap.  Just yesterday, my cousins and I used to gather on the floor at the feet of all the aunts, uncles and grandparents looking at those funny old photographs and listening to the stories about their grandparents.  Today, my grandparents are gone and only a few of those aunts and uncles remain and with each succeeding generation the details in the telling of our wonderful story become less and less.  Going back just 2 generations and getting quality information is sometimes difficult to do.  And the written and photographic record isn't much better.  The other day I looked through hundreds of old photos I have and discovered that, for whatever reason, I no longer have a photo of my father.  My, how easily our heritage can be lost. Therefore, I am issuing my own . . . . . .

"Amber Alert."

Kunkle history has gone missing -- possibly lost forever. More history is expected to turn up missing tomorrow and the next day and the day after that, unless we all do something to stop it.  This website is dedicated to, if not stopping the loss, at least minimizing it. I'm hoping this website can begin to serve as a central repository for the Kunkle history that initially began with George Heinrich "Henry" Kunkle and that will continue to be created for many more generations to come.

Website Organization

(1) Individual History Pages.  These pages, accessed through the History Pages Index, serve as the repository "folder" for archiving all historical information (biographies, photographs, official document copies, letters, newspaper reports, etc.) for the direct descendants of George Heinrich "Henry" Kunkle.  In digital format, these historical records are not only preserved and protected (backed up continually) but are available to be viewed instantaneously by anyone anywhere in the world.  This can't be said for hard copies of such materials that are now stored in a box up in the attic, that may be tossed away by some intending or unintending soul when great aunt Matilda passes away.

(2) The Family Tree Database.  Like the history pages, the family tree database stores and maintains historical information on Kunkle family members but the nature of the information is somewhat different, being genealogy related as the words "family tree" imply.  The data collected and stored (and backed up) is intended to be factual information associated with birth, marriage, death, offspring, etc., that goes into defining and reporting on ancestry and descendancy. The data on individuals extends far beyond just the direct descendants of George Heinrich to include family lines that have intersected and intertwine with the Kunkle direct line throughout history. This genealogy data is also online and readily available to all.

(3) How To Contribute. This is probably the most important section of the website. If family members don't support this website by contributing information/ materials, then the Individual History Pages archive will not develop as they need to. The quality of the genealogical information in the Family Tree will end up being less than it could/should be. This website cannot become the intended "Kunkle Family History Archive" without the Kunkle family's active involvement. There is really no excuse for not contributing.  Most everyone is on email or knows someone who is. Photo prints and documents can be easily scanned if they are not already in digital format.  I haven't check but Kinko's can probably do it for you. Anyone can sit down and type out a rather extensive autobiography and at least a rudimentary biography of other family members. So, let's get started creating some history.  Create some yourself and tell your other relatives about this website and encourage them to do likewise.

Want To Contribute? Find Out How.

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