tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post6153199885589381343..comments2024-03-21T19:08:05.737-07:00Comments on Genealogy's Star: History vs. Genealogy?James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-31749425003111404772013-01-13T12:58:52.972-07:002013-01-13T12:58:52.972-07:00James, thank you for your discussion of this subje...James, thank you for your discussion of this subject. As a former college history professor and current family historian/genealogist, I find that good, serious genealogy is no different from good, serious history.<br /><br />Unfortunately, many who pursue genealogy do not apply any historical methodologies to their work. They have no sources (aside from the ubiquitous Ancestry Family Tree), they don't read the documents they acquire and add to their collection, they do not bother learning any of the geography of the area on which they are focusing, they no little or nothing of local or national or international history, they appear to be interested solely in extending the number of generations in their tree rather than taking the time to learn about the lives of their ancestors, and on and on.<br /><br />Sadly, this is true not only of those who are content to "research" their personal family trees, but also of a number of those who advertise their services as "professional" genealogists.<br /><br />This, I believe, is why most colleges and universities do not offer courses in genealogy and do not accept genealogy as a "valid" historical pursuit. <br /><br />We have been our own worst enemies in this situation. In our desire to encourage any and all to take up genealogy as a hobby we fail to educate them in the historical process, thereby creating an entire class of genealogist who genuinely believe that if it's on the internet it must be true and accurate.<br /><br />I have gone on my rant long enough, and should stop here and continue this on my own blog in the future.<br /><br />Again, thank you for your excellent and thought-provoking blog James!<br /><br />Kate Eakman<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com