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The Untold & Forgotten Stories                                                   2016 11 01
Lesson 013...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

Adding To History-The Forgotten Stories...
There are tens of thousands of untold or forgotten stories about every member in every family tree.
Because every day is a new begining and new story building upon yesterdays hopes and dreams.

That in itself is a part of each of our ancestors legacies.
Just that they faced lifes struggles for the benefit of their children speaks volumes.

When looking back at people, we sometimes forget that like us, they each had their own dreams too.
Everyone has dreams. But theirs may never be known unless we help. Yes, that's right, we can help.
There are many clues to a persons hopes and dreams even if they lived before anyones recollection.

It's important to realize there is a fine line between discussion and reality, or proof and speculation.
When something intangible is to be documented, it should be noted appropriately as a thought.
The verifiable proof bringing us to that conclusion must also be shown within those pages.

As for the verifiable proof? Usually it's openly shown yet missed because of "the main story".
For many "the main story" is made of names, dates, spouse, children and historical data.
Time constraints keep us from diving deeply into every person. Concentrate here.


What Are These Forgotten Stories Anyway?...
These are the stories that bring to light a more personal nature of the subject and their life.
It's what makes the person a real human being with heart and soul who has feelings and desires.
When you come upon an account of a member this has been done for, you will know the difference.

They can be the methods by which the main story was accomplished, or a sidenote to their legacy.
Usually of interest to them such as a hobby or a business endeavor not related to their daily work.
In short, they are the things in life otherwise persued than the means supporting their existance.

There is also a very good possibility that the side story is within the main storyline as well.
For instance, a person may have once worked alongside famous others and influenced them.
Perhaps a reason is discovered for their changing jobs or for moving across town or the country.

No matter what these stories are, there are two very important things to remember about them.
First, good or bad, they're part of the many factors that combined to help bring you into the world.
Second, use only factual information that can be verified for reporting these stories. Use of footnotes.


Are These Stories Worth The Time They Take?...
There are so many variables involved to answer this question, and the answer itself is a variable.
The amount of time, effort and reward are of different value to everyone that's involved.
Several key items must be answered first. Yes, they're the same questions...

As always, the very first item to be answered is "what is the trees main purpose?".
No one else can answer this for anyone. The answer defines everything related to the tree.
There is no right or wrong answer that must fall within any certain guidlines other than your own.

Next is the "question" of accuracy and it's importance to you in your tree.
To be more precise, "How much time are you willing to spend on accuracy?". Info.
Higher accuracy will obviously take more time to research and verify, but is beyond compense.

Additionally, what value do you place on this type of information?
To some it may be too speculative or at best a sidenote of personal information.
Others feel that "cold data" is simply not enough to tell a persons story, let alone a lineage.

In the end, a tree owners personal preferences and resource availability will decide the course.
Authors are encouraged to place a strong emphasis on accuracy and factual information.
Returning to a tree at a later time in your life or even passing it on are also options.


Where Can These Stories Be Found?...
This is the most interesting part of the whole scenario!
Sometimes, various parts will be infused into information gleaned from the internet (Verify it).
Or it may even be something you stumble upon in the background accidentally while viewing pictures!

Sometimes you're lucky enough to have access to personal items (Pictures, uniforms, documents, etc)
If you are, don't overlook their significance! These are their closest and most valuable memories!
They may be from an event, or a specific time or place in their lives that was special to them.

Even online items can help you discover underlying stories.
Photographs, articles, maps and documents may hold information not usually noted.
Look at the sources listed whenever a subject is being researched. Your observations are just as valid!

Also, don't overlook a living members memory about their own elders!
It's a way to "leapfrog" back in history with their firsthand view before it's gone forever!
Interviewing a pair or several elders at once can also be a way to jog more memories while verifying!


What To Do With This Newfound Information?...
Again, much of the decision is dependant on the ultimate use or purpose of your tree.
Whether public or private, the decision to make this information known or not is up to you.
In either case, be sure to report it accurately. Any deductive reasoning must be outlined as such.

In some cases the information may be a part of the main story, some as a lead up to or from it.
Example: Moving cross country may be part of a purpose, resulting from or prior to an event.
It's also likely that you might find something of interest in all three of those possibilities.

Regardless of what you find, be certain not to write it as "gossip".
Emphasis must be made that the conclusion is not supported by any documentation.
Describe in detail what led you to your conclusions, and note what is still needed to support it.

Genealogy is a more popular interest than you think, and new evidence is being published daily.
It's entirely possible that your "hunches" will be proven by some evidence found elsewhere.
Leave notes that remind yourself when you last checked and schedule "maintenance".

From here, there are several options as the next step...
Publish it, file it, keep digging deeper or continue to the next subject.
There is no "one right answer" for everybody. Only you can decide what's right for you.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Decide how important the additional information is to you and your tree.
The amount of time and effort will be directly proportional to that.

Second...
Outline a plan for both the genealogy direction and the resulting reports on them.
That is, who will you be reporting on, and what will you do with the reports after completion.

Third...
Because a future historian may not realize this lesson's value, be sure to record your dreams!
Make notations in your family tree log about your hopes and efforts. Ask living members theirs too!


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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