APG-L Archives

From: Rebecca Rector <>
Subject: [APG] Genealogists & educating the public
Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 12:48:14 -0700

My take on this is that professional genealogists and serious others have
the ability (and training) to see the BIG picture. We are looking at all
angles of a research problem, and analyzing, analyzing, analyzing. We look
at many different types of records, often found at many different types of
facilities (including online), comparing and contrasting the information.
We look into the history of the area being researched, the local families,
the wars that were fought, laws and land ownership issues. We are also
using our skills in knowing our local area and what records are available
at which facilities and for which time periods; and which of those sources
would be the best for a particular project. THAT is what we need to
advertise as our expertise, and to teach to others as well.

Many articles appear in the popular genealogy magazines and journals on
some of these issues -- how to use particular resources, plan your time,
organize your materials, look for evidence etc. etc. I think those who read
these periodicals on a regular basis become quite good at doing genealogy
over time, though often limited to a specific geographic area for their own
family. It's the people who only turn to the Internet or those who do not
read genealogy magazines regularly who are often in need of education about
how genealogy "really works". Perhaps more workshops at the local level,
through public libraries would be one way to "educate the masses" who are
interested in genealogy. Plus, the good ideas already discussed re: the
media packets etc. And, online workshops and forums.

Genealogy is probably the only "profession" that is also a hobby. And with
the Internet, the hobbyists have multiplied, and get the mistaken idea that
they can do their genealogy in a weekend, or while their wife waits in the
car. It's a similar phenomenon with college students thinking they can do
all their assignments on the internet with just a few minutes of
"research". As a librarian, I see this all the time! I think we need to
use the medium of the Internet and the media to teach people (all over
again) what RESEARCH is all about.

Rebecca Rector
Troy, NY (moving to MA in Sept.) <www.rbinforesearch.com>

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