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It isn’t only the
kids who are headed back to school.
Those of us who have been involved in researching our family history for
a long time (33 years, in my case) can also benefit from hitting the books.
Over the last
couple of months, I’ve plunged into a reading list that’s recharged my interest in
genealogy, and given me many tools to do a better job. I’ll review the process here. (The books are widely available from a
variety of sources, genealogy book vendors, non-profit used book dealers,
Amazon, and the like.)
First up: Hey
America, Your Roots Are Showing, by well-known researcher and author Megan
Smolenyak. Not a “how-to” book, but more
of a “greatest hits” collection, from among her past research cases. She tells about a fascinating variety of subjects
and approaches, in a brisk and breezy style that’s not too demanding. Probably my favorite chapter was about the
identity of the “real” Annie Moore, first down the gangplank at Ellis Island. The book is a great way to get excited about
family history research.
Next, it was on
to Family Trees: A History of Genealogy
in America, by François
Weil. I had the pleasure of hearing him
address the summer meeting of the New England Historic Genealogical Society in
Boston this year. The book describes the
shifting landscape of the who, the how, and the why of family history research
in America, from colonial times up to the present. It certainly provides food for thought; we
may need to take another look at some of the “family tree” books we’ve all used
as reference material!
Now, you’d think
that my 33 years of experience might give me some kind of advantage, when it
comes to “knowing it all.” Hah! The next book gave me some queasy feelings
about what I missed, or did poorly, along the way. The
Family Tree Problem Solver, by the late Marsha Hoffman Rising, gives an
excellent course that would benefit genealogists at all levels of
expertise. Every concept is illustrated by
actual examples from her research. Those
“brick walls?” Using this process may provide some hope, after all.
Then it was on to
Mastering Genealogical Proof, by Thomas
W. Jones. You’ve got to love a guy who’s
become a respected expert in the field, even though I assume he had to work
with the surname Jones! This book covers
the Genealogical Proof Standard: what it
is, and how to apply it. I experienced a
feeling of dread when, on page two, he describes the book as being similar to a
mathematics textbook. But I became engaged in the experience of reading it. Each
chapter presents a concept, illustrates it, and asks the reader to answer test
questions. If you’re thinking, “What’s a
proof standard?” or if the start of your genealogy career began before it was
established, or if you have only a hazy notion that it involves “a reasonably
exhaustive search,” and “source citations,” there is much to be learned from
this book.
On the horizon
are two more offerings, sitting on my desk.
The first is Locating Your
Roots: Discover Your Ancestors Using
Land Records, by Patricia Law Hatcher. This is considered the go-to book on the subject, and I look forward to getting a better handle
on this topic. Finally, I’ll read the latest from “The Genealogy Guys,” of
podcasting fame, George G. Morgan and Drew Smith: Advanced
Genealogy Research Techniques. This
one assumes you’ve at least started your research, but would be useful at all
skill levels. The language used is an
easy read. The book updates traditional “how-to”
directions for the 21st century, to include tools such as social
media and DNA testing.
While I’m always
tempted by the lure of new research, I know I’ll benefit more from taking a
spin past all of my old “brick walls,” and seeing how much I could accomplish
by applying these important techniques.
