How do you do family history on an estranged side of the family?

So, this post will not be as applicable to our bred-in-the-church, born-to-two-pioneer-stock-parents crowd.  But, some of you really don't fall in that category.  And it can be a real barrier to family history.  However, here are the best ideas I can come up with, and maybe others can give more ideas as well. 

Firstly, see what you do know.  If you know some bits and pieces, it becomes the same idea as doing family history in the 1800s.  No one knows that stuff, you just have to piece it together from records.  If you have enough info to do it that way, then go for it. 

The second thought depends on how estranged, and why.  So, this may not be applicable depending on your circumstances.  You can use family history as the means of un-estranging.  Instead of thinking, in order to do family history, I need to create a relationship with that side of the family.  A lot of families have been brought back together BY and THROUGH family history.  Family history is not something that only members of the church want.  Just as everyone is born with the Light of Christ, everyone is born with the Spirit of Elijah (see Elder Nelson's talk from October 2009).  The Spirit of Elijah is the inherent and inbred desire to connect with your family, and to know where you came from.  It's an insatiable desire that has been present throughout history and throughout cultures.  Different cultures expressed it different ways, but lineage has always been an obsessive force throughout history.  That's the Spirit of Elijah.  The idea that who you are, and where you come from actually matters. 

With that in mind, sometimes it's helpful to get a little spark of family history.  Maybe a census record of your grandparent, or some tidbit.  Give it to that side of the family.  Present it outside of religious context (because it's more than that).  Say, "Look what I found out about your dad!  Do you have any other info about him?  I really want to learn who he was."  The Spirit of Elijah is a powerful force! Use it.

This is the Provo YSA 18th Ward Family History Committee, signing off.  Next week's question, "What do I do if the family history is 'done?'"