Family traditions are like onions. They have a core of truth, but we have to peel back the layers to get to that core. Layers of confusion, embroidery, and even shame. Yesterday we looked at five reasons why family stories have strayed from what Grandma would call the “straight and narrow.” Today, we offer a six-step game plan that will help you uncover that core of truth in your family stories that provide a path into your past. ...
Tradition is not Gospel. It is not religion. We can’t accept it on faith alone. Oral history goes astray for at least five reasons ...
Long Citations, Short Citations, or Does It Matter?
We’ve all heard the rule: The first time we cite a source, in a reference note, we cite all details about the source. After that, each time we cite the same source, we use a short form.
That’s the rule. But every rule has exceptions. Sometimes, rules just don’t work.
EE
Sun, 11/04/2018 - 18:01
Researchers are always cautioned to use the best sources possible. Ideally, we’re told, that means original records created by informants with primary (first-hand) information. That guidance is sound. But when a project involves hundreds or thousands of documents ...
Citing Locational Data
“I wonder,” our inquirer asked, “Why do citations to family artifacts not include our file numbers?” Great question! In fact, we could ask this about a lot of things. These days we all capture images of the documents we use. We have our filing system to maintain those images—sometimes physical but usually electronic. So why do our citations not include the image IDs, the e-folder name or notebook number, etc.?
EE
Sat, 11/03/2018 - 16:11
Help! wrote the student. “EE is a big pool to swim in! Is there a wading pool where I can just get my toes wet?” Should I start with one of the laminated QuickSheets?”
Yes and no.
Oh, how we love records that are neatly typed and nicely indexed. Sure, we've heard all those admonitions about consulting original records rather than derivatives. But let's get real. When somebody lived in thirteen different counties in 5 different states, that's a lot of records to plow through. When the records have been "processed" and published, we're going to use those published versions, right?
Sloppy Reporting? Or, How Not to Choke When Indulging in Free Online Content
Here's food for thought for all of us researchers who use online books, magazines, newspapers, or snippets thereof. Last week, a well-known news corp published an article about a false ...
EE
Mon, 12/04/2017 - 11:15
Those clever folks at Grammarly have published a wonderful list of “10 words every college student should know.” For certain, they’re 10 words every history researcher should know. Here’s our take on them …
Prefabrication is a wonderful concept. Like most concepts, it has its uses—as well as undesirable consequences. In a recent thread on EE's Facebook page, a commenter writes: “It’s best to go with the citation any site recommends at [as] it will most likely lead to continuous access no matter how the site changes over time.” For the record ...
