26 December 2014 Jack Webb, the famed Dragnet detective, consistently called for “Just the facts, Ma’am, just the facts.” That stance, a wise one for detectives, has its counterpart among historical researchers who recognize the difference between documented “facts,” speculation, and interpretation.

As we gather around our tables and hearths this Christmas season, we'll hear family tales of all sorts. ... How do we prove what the documentable facts might be, what is demonstrably wrong, and what is realistically possible?

14 December 2014 You have just found a 19th-century court minute. Being a "minute," the record tells you very little: the case label and the fact that the case was dismissed. The label is this: "John Jones, for the use and benefit of Sam Smith vs. Billy Brown." What do you think that case was all about? ...

11 December 2014 As researchers, we often are too trusting—especially when transcriptions are “officially” prepared ...

8 December 2014 Across centuries of recorded history, many classes of people have had to legally register themselves—voters, military-aged men, free people of color in slave regimes, aliens during a time of war, and "just plain folk" on the occasions of their births, marriages, and deaths.

5 December 2014 As historical researchers, our role has much in common with prosecutors in a court case. When we search historical records, we search for information we can use as evidence. ...

2 December 2014 In every piece of dependable research, we see eight qualities ...

29 November 2014 Your front door is solid wood. In the middle, there's a peep hole. Your doorbell rings. You look through the peephole and see a pretty face. Smiling. She looks friendly. You open the door and ...