Reflections on the Motivation Behind My Family History Research
The child on the right is my mother Victoria Dell Mazlin (1928-2022).
The motivation behind my current exploration of family history is not easy to define. As I have grown older, I find myself reflecting on the past more often than looking to the future. These reflections bring up questions—not only about my own life but also about the lives of those who came before me. These questions are particularly compelling when it comes to my immediate family. Understanding their experiences and decisions provides a path to gaining deeper insight into my own journey and sense of identity.
Family history research also serves as a valuable mental discipline. It keeps my mind active—challenging me not only in the research process but also in writing and documenting my discoveries. Keeping all the dates in order is especially challenging, and the old practice of naming sons after the fathers. Unlike the academic research I have done in the past, where accuracy and verification were of utmost importance, this project allows for a different approach—one that blends facts with imagination. I find myself, at times, trying to step into the shoes of my ancestors, to imagine their lives as vividly as possible. While I aim to be accurate, I also enjoy connecting the dots creatively and building a plausible and meaningful narrative.
What has become evident through my research is how closely the past can feel connected to the present. As I have explored the lives of the first of my family to settle in Australia (See Chapter 1 of the Mazlins and Chapter 1 of the Anthonys), I have come to realise that, despite the passage of one or two centuries, the essence of human experience has not changed much. The challenges faced by those living in the 19th century—providing for family, seeking stability, building connections, and leaving behind a legacy—are the same motivations that drive us today. These common themes link the past and present, showing that, despite technological advances and societal changes, the core aspects of our lives remain the same.
At its heart, my motivation for this research lies in a desire for understanding—an understanding that goes beyond historical facts to include the emotions and choices of my ancestors. By exploring their challenges and achievements, I seek to tell their stories and better understand my place within our family’s broader history. In the end, this journey is about connecting the threads of the past to the present, giving a sense of continuity that is both deeply personal and universally human.
