Facts/Truths in genealogy
can (and do) change. Facts in genealogy
are not "forever and always," but rather "with the evidence
available currently, (and applying GPS), this is the best answer to the
question asked, and therefore, for now, this is the answer, this is the fact."
Used to be that
facts in the social sciences were squooshy, but facts in the physical sciences
were solid, as in 2 + 2 = 4, always and forever more….
And then Einstein
(before my time) changed the way the world was considered…
And then Pluto lost
its Planetness…
And extreme
exploration adds new species and even new genus. Go figure. Now both sides of the fence have flux.
For me, the take
away for genealogy is to "do your homework," hit the usual suspects, and any/all that
are suggested from those, and consider everything carefully, using all the
brains you are given, and come to some conclusions, and put those conclusions
in a fixed format. Notice that I didn't
say "write a report," though that is my personal orientation. This fixed format could be a collection of pictures, (of course with captions),
or a recording of your conclusions, or any combination… as you wish. The magic is a fixed
format. Why? Because that fixed format can be shared with
family, others researching the same, and also available to the you that you will be in 10 years from now when your genealogy travels have you circling back to these people or this place.
Additionally, with a fixed format, it is possible to broadcast your conclusions more widely, which
could assist others in their research, who in turn could send you information/ their conclusions/facts which could open additional doors for
you.
Used to be that genealogical research was directed toward finding b,m,d, FACTS... and also, usually concentrated on following the male (surname)
line. After those dates/places were
found, and verified (GPS), they were put on the pedigree chart and the family
group sheet. Up anchor, and on to the
next person/family.
Today's genealogist
certainly wants these bench marks, and/but is also very likely to be interested
in the larger family and how they lived, so the information gathered is more
diverse, as are the sources consulted, and that's a good thing.
(My
current all-time wonderful writing is "Water-Powered Grist Mills of Western
Pennsylvania," an article found through PERSI, and offering great
information on my ancestor Rentchler/Rengler. Anyone out their related to them?)
Honesty in blogging requires me to say that I have a lot more information out of fixed format than in. However, that is changing...
…for another time…
…for another time…
Facts that may start squooshy, and which may stay
squooshy, and be ok.
Till next time,
Liz
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
2018
begins with an "ABC-darium," a walk through the alphabet expanding
into short comments on matters genealogical. Published on Tuesday and
some Fridays, a letter may be visited more than once before moving
on.
©
2018, SE Ross