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Branching Out & Going Places-Gathering Info     Published Monthly
Lesson 067...                                                                                                            2021 05 25

Defining The Problem...
Modern day standard research methods are mostly done in an internet based method.
At some point additional information whether by design or curiosity is also needed or desired.

Information gathered by way of official documents while necessary, is only one part of genealogy.
For deeper stories or information, the genealogist must make contact with either persons or places.

This can be difficult to do for some of us due to one or more reasons, and may vary by person.
There may be access hurdles for cemetery's and property's, or to living persons w/firsthand memories.

Finding methods that work for both the genealogist as well as the subject can be challenging.
Each genealogist may be used to a certain method, but it may not be as universal as they thought.
As if that's not enough, there may be conflicting time constraints to overcome at either or both ends.

Working through the restraints and difficulties is necessary in order to begin with the interactions.
The interactions are necessary to advance family trees to a fuller knowledge base.
A fuller knowledge base holds more value than its industry peers.


How Does That Happen?...
Comfort and necessity.
Today it's almost necessary to use and become dependant on internet files for long periods.
While it's natural to become comfortable in our ways, over-extending that comfort stagnates growth.

Comfort reasons can stem from anything, including a person simply not being an outgoing personality.
They may not want to bother an unknown person or be uncertain of their interest in genealogy.
Loyalty issues can also come into play when other family members condemn them.

The time, or means to get to the necessary places can many times inhibit an effort before it's started.
Available time may conflict with the open hours for cemetery's, travel or other persons.
Shift schedules may also conflict with other persons available time(s).

The point is, these and other variables will always be there to some degree for us each to overcome.
Some are internal, external, natural, necessary and others that make us comfortable by habit.
Comfort habits are rarely developed overnight, so it also takes time to change them.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
The simplest way is to prepare for opportunities as if they were to occur today.
Start with simple methods that can be implemented that do not necessarily mean immediate contact.

Interactions are sometimes planned and sometimes spontanious.
They may be with living persons or inanimate objects such as tombstones.
Regardless of preferred methods, enhance and prepare several ways ready for contact.

Be aware that random opportunities happen, recognise and be ready to take advantage of them!
Even if you've no immedeate plans, be ready now by creating a small "genealogy bag".
Business cards can be a smart intro if propely designed and taylored.

Message boards can serve as signposts for others as well as work towards informational collaboration.
The time it takes to post notes is minimal compared to the longevity of its websearch availability.
By leaving notes on several website message boards, we achieve Genealogy 101's purpose.

Create a draft start of an email explaining who you are in relation to a given person.
Leave a few notes including several sunames on various genealoogy website message boards
Keep up on vehicle maintenance so it doesn't get in your way! There is no substitution for readyness!


Where Can We Find Exclusive Data?...
There are several good places and many ways to find "exclusive" info.
It's always best to start within your own comfort zones, though "comfort" varies by person.
Choosing your "best" zone however, is secondary to or at best in conjunction with the intended party.

Simple "non-intrusive/home methods" should definitely include genealogy message boards.
Boards are usually titled to family surnames or specific geographical areas.
Posts will remain for seemingly indefinite amounts of time!

Within each family tree there are portions that raise our curiosity about certain events.
One such story interested me almost from its begining regarding a still living members parent.
After drafting an email, it was saved to his folder for over three years until finally inquiring by email.

Cemeterys are usually open until sunset, and offer far more to visitors in person than online.
At the very least, all images aquired will be yours, and you may find stones not seen on websites.
My unplanned visit to a distant cemetery last month produced several pleasant surprises and lessons!


What Did We Learn From This?...
First and foremost, that some type of initiative toward interaction is absolutely necessary to begin.
There will always be obstacles, and though effort doesn't guarantee success, it's worth trying.

Our comfort is not necessarily their comfort, and in the end, it's theirs that matters.
Find the least intrusive method for info gathering and adjust your own approach accordingly.
Whether person or place, certain rules and guidelines apply. Be courteous, avoid ongoing funerals.

Start setting up for communicative methods now, even if your plan is for somewhere in the future.
Readying now in several areas can help bring many beneficial future interactions.
There are many obvious and not so obvious areas to consider.

Opportunities will come in both planned and unplanned formats.
Prep-work improves chances for encounters to produce more favorable outcomes.
Fortunately, these are simple things that can be learned or accomplished in just a few minutes.

Make the effort... There are no guarantees, but the odds are greatly in your favor for something good.
Hopefully, it may lead you onto new and expanding endeavors built on what you've found!
Making the most of any given situation requires readyness.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Prepare for any future info gathering "as if" it were happening today.
Use each interaction as a building process for improving.

Second...
Be mindful of other people and places limits and availability.
Adjust your own methods to the intendeds needs.

Third...
Make the effort, though there are no guarantees.
Sometimes, we're surprised with more!



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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