Reprinted with permission of Roy Eastes (see end of message)
Hi Everyone! Happy New Year!
This suggestion is not only for new family history researchers but it
also
serves to jiggle the minds of us old timers too!
Let's all make a resolution to help eliminate errors in our family
history
In December 1999, I wrote the following article to help increase the
awareness of the many pitfalls found in genealogical resources. I am
submitting this again to remind us all of our responsibilities toward
perpetuating the truth and accuracy in our historical records.
(Reprint)
HOW ACCURATE ARE OUR RECORDS?
By LeRoy F. Eastes
3 December 1999
When we record our heritage we take great pride in looking at our list
of
ancestors and admire their origins, migrations and accomplishments.
But,
what good is it - unless it's true?
In recent years there are more and more genealogical assumptions and
misleading information being circulated due the coming of the
internet. I
know most of it is unintentional, as I have found myself guilty of
doing the
same thing in the past. This innocent practice comes about by picking
up
information that is not documented or if it is we don't check the
validity of
the references. Then with all good intentions, we record it and pass
it on
not knowing if it is true or not!
An element of error has always existed in genealogical research. If we
look
closely at public documents, errors have been found in almost every
type of
legal record that ever existed. Wills, marriage, birth, land, court
and
military records. Many times these are the results of human error but
some
have been intentionally induced for a variety of personal reasons.
The coming of the internet has been a great boon for genealogical
research.
At the same time it's multiplying errors and is out of control like a
contagious disease. There are many individuals and organizations that
collect
files from donors everywhere they can be found, which in itself is
fine.
Unfortunately, not all of these records are correct. Many do not show
any
documentation, others are found with misleading and often inaccurate
information and references. Also unfortunately, some researchers are
too
eager to grab the first thing that "sounds reasonable" and treat it as
a
gospel fact. These records are copied by the unwary, passed on to an
untold
number of others, accepted as fact and the problem is perpetuated into
the
future.
.
There is nothing wrong with recording and passing along estimates of
dates,
places and even theories and stories. This is where we find the key
elements
that lead to the true picture of the past. However, information of
this
nature must be recognized and treated as such by all of us.
This is a very serious problem and recognized by the National
Genealogical
Society. They felt it to so important they published a Special Edition
to
their quarterly publication, titled, "Evidence" - Volume 87, 3
September
1999.
The following are the Standards recommend by the Society and can be
found on
the internet at -
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/
(I suggest everyone take a look at Consumer
Relations while
on this site)
Standards For Sound Genealogical Research
(Recommended by the National Genealogical Society)
Remembering always that they are engaged in a quest for truth, family
history
researchers consistently -
- record the source for each item of information they
collect.
- test every hypothesis or theory against credible evidence,
and
reject those that are not supported by the evidence.
- seek original records, or reproduced images of them when
there is
reasonable assurance they have not been altered, as the
basis for
their
research conclusions.
- use compilations, communications and published works,
whether
paper
or electronic, primarily for their value as guides to
locating the
original records.
- state something as a fact only when it is supported by
convincing
evidence, and identify the evidence when communicating the
fact to
others.
- limit with words like "probable" or "possible" any
statement that
is
based on less than convincing evidence, and state the
reasons for
concluding that it is probable or possible.
- avoid misleading other researchers by either intentionally
or
carelessly distributing or publishing inaccurate information.
- state carefully and honestly the results of their own
research, and
acknowledge all use of others work.
- recognize the collegial nature of genealogical research by
making
their work available to others through publication, or by
placing
copies
in appropriate libraries or repositories, and by welcoming
critical
comment.
- consider with open minds new evidence or the comments of
others on
their work and the conclusions they have reached.
©1997 by National Genealogical Society. Permission is granted
to copy
or publish this material provided it is reproduced in its entirety,
including
this notice
This is followed by two more sections titled:
- Standards for Using Records Repositories And Libraries.
- Standards For Use Of Technology In Genealogical Research.
I encourage everyone to consider these guide lines. All of us who are
searching for our ancestors should make an attempt to minimize the
possibility of errors. If we don't, our children's children will be
led down
false trails and they will never be able to find their true heritage.
Le Roy F. Eastes Ph (228) 832-2214
17271 Lowery Rd
Gulfport, MS 39503
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
When we record our heritage we take great pride in looking at our list
of
ancestors and admire their origins, migrations and accomplishments.
But,
what good is it - unless its true?
We need stories and rumors, they are great and often lead to the
truth!
BUT - Help eliminate errors. Don't take anything as Fact! Check
references
for validity! If we dont our childrens children will be led down
false
trails and they will never be able to find their true heritage.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi -
I would be happy for you to pass this message along to others and ask
them to
also pass it along! Many people don't realize the impact it has on
future
records when they collect unfounded data and pass along to Companies
who sell
undocumented information.
Best Regards
Roy Eastes, Gulfport, MS
Laura L. Johnson
RNGADE57(a)midwest.net
The Termini Imerese Database
http://www.termini-imerese.org
Home of the Sicilian Ancestry Ring
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/1535
Comunes of Italy Database
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Cabin/2509/MainPage.htm