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Questioning The Past                                                                            2017 11 01
Lesson 025...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

Defining The Problem...
This months lesson title is somewhat of a play-on-words to evoke dual thoughts and meanings.
The first prompts readers to ask about their roots, while the second tells them to verify existing info.

Many times the initial start or new growth of a tree comes after the loss of a loved one.
By that very nature, the tree is at the mercy of other peoples previously gathered information.

With that persons passing, a wealth of firsthand knowledge has been lost.
Their witness and perception of various people, places or things can now only be "assumed".

Second, for varied reasons, many family tree authors simply accept the handed down version.
While every tree has to start somewhere, no detail should ever be taken "As Gospel" if un-verified.
The more something is repeated, the more it becomes accepted as a "fact"-Even if un-substantiated.

Many family tree builders become too focused on aquiring more names or info than other trees have.
This "competition" leads to spreading inaccuracies by virtue of a fast-paced copy/paste mentality.
While all research is basically copying, verification is the difference between fact and gossip.


How Did That Happen?...
In the first meaning, we're often too busy with life to see, or are in disbelief that elders are waning.
Whatever the reason, the end result is that we missed a train that we already knew was leaving.
In some cases, we may even have thought that person to be responsible for prepping things.

Recognising the value of something isn't always forefront in our minds until it's no longer available.
This is possibly the most common denominator for those of us who do start family trees.
We feel there is plenty of time because we don't understand its magnitude.

In the second, we tend to believe in our everyday lives what we've been told by "reputable sources".
This can be anything from family relative stories to news reports or even school textbooks.
Without documented proof, stories are just gossip, and reports are not sources.

Over a period of years, many times we come to believe the stories handed to us by elders.
Whether the intent was to amuse youngsters or pass information they believed is not the point.
Information from all interviews should be treated as "leads" until they can be verified by documents.


What's Been Done To Fix This?...
Essentially, nothing. We are "The Fix". Awareness is the only way to curb its recurring cycle.
Each and every person that writes about this or reads it is now aware and can help.
The "help" or "fix" is simply that the very same work is now started "in time".

For both definitions of "Questioning", this can mean fewer lost records and better verifications.
By speaking with elders about their own elders, we "leapfrog" toward a past generation.
Their photos from yesteryear can divulge more than just the subjects within them.

We often think of the importance of spending time with our youngsters before they grow up.
The tradeoff is that we miss out on much of the time evading us at lifes other end.
Time and money can each only be spent once and those are the choices.

As for questioning authenticity, starting sooner may give an otherwise unknown firsthand view!
Even an "uncertain" description from a childhood memory of an elder can still be a help!
It's possible their knowledge may even over-ride an otherwise believable document!

Additionally, every day more documents are purchased and secured for their "intelectual rights".
If you understand this concept at all, it can be very disturbing to you during info collection.
By starting early, you retain access to the documents even if you can't publish images.


Where Can We Find The Lost Data?...
Before I'd started going over family pictures with my own mother, this would have stumped me too.
All I ever thought of were "Official Documents"-And they should be thoroughly scavenged!
Also, never underestimate the power of a generic internet search for any name.

During an interview and picture research, it seemed a "Dead End" was met over a never seen relative.
It's quite common when asking about a third person to get the response "I don't know anything".
This is usually not so. They knew the persons name, right? Then they probably know more.

What I found were several leads buried deep within the cobwebs of her mind (Just journalism Ma!).
It seems we naturally tend to infer the things we've known all along as minor or insignificant.
What followed were things like... They moved to another state...They had a daughter...

Always be neutral/never lead a person down memory lane (unless you knew the subject as well).
Be prepared with a list of standard questions that are the same for any unknown subject.
The objective is to help re-create whatever memory they have of this person.


What Did We Learn From This?...
It seems readily apparent that the initial message is to begin recording info as soon as possible.
Any amount-even if just one line-is far better than having never recorded any at all.
The firsthand account of any event is more enlightening than speculation.

The opportunity for one-on-one interview dwindles every day, and should be taken advantage of.
It would be unlikely that an elder would not be open to reminiscing events for you.
You gain information for your tree plus come to understand their life!

Also, when questioning the interpretation of any reports, be sure the data is securely sourced.
There are extreme amounts of incorrect data being circulated in all types of media.
Be open to trying to understand an opposing argument before deciding.

The accounts you've learned may not match the ones you find... Remember this saying...
If something doesn't feel right, keep digging, there's a reason you feel that.
Though emotions can be strong, math and science rule.

You've now been made aware that time is critical and our history can still be questioned.
This new awareness is an oportunity! ...A second chance BEFORE it's too late!
A chance to catch that train before it leaves us for good!


The Basic Rules...
First...
When it comes to genealogy and family trees, fact (Not opinion) must rule the day.
It's far better to correct an error in private than to be ridiculed publicly by todays internet.

Second...
During conversations with elders about the past, take the oportunity to make notations.
Be sure to let them expound on other topics-There may be more to gain!

Third...
Your search is for the truth. Record everything. Trust in yourself and believe what you can verify.
Wherever relationships or monetary interests loom, there is reasonable doubt about accuracy.


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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