At this year’s International German Genealogy Partnership Conference in Columbus, I walked away with more than just research tips, historical insights, and meeting some of my long lost family (pic below). I also saw a whimsical t-shirt worn by one of the attendees, Katharina Birch.
I complimented Katharina and asked where she found it. Surprise! It was one of many genealogy-themed t-shirts that her company produces. Carlisle Creations Genealogy Tees etc. say exactly what we’re all thinking during those late nights spent clicking through cousins on Ancestry. The one I couldn’t resist? The bright blue tee with the question “Are You My Cousin?” printed above a bemused cartoon dog and bird duo. It's quirky, clever, and perfect for sparking conversations at family reunions, society meetings, or even just standing in line at the library’s microfilm reader.
What I love most is how this shirt manages to be both funny and familiar. It captures that universal genealogist’s hope—that the next person we meet, online or in real life, might just be part of our ever-growing family tree.
If you’re looking for a gift for a genealogy friend (or yourself), check out her shop. Supporting creative people in our field is one way to ensure the spirit of our work stays vibrant—and, dare I say, stylish. Not only do they have t-shirts, they also have crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, and full-zip jackets. Rumor from a reliable source (umm, Katharina) says that some new t-shirts will be available soon so I plan on checking back for one of the many we discussed.
And the best part of this chance meeting with Katharina, two of my very own 6th cousins were also attending the conference and I met two more cousins of one of my cousins. No doubt, if we dug some more, I'd be related to them, too. You can see the Palatinate brood below, photo courtesy of my husband:
