I do a lot of thinking when I am working in my gardens. One day I was thinking that gardening is like genealogy. You grow and gather when gardening. You grow and gather in family history.
I started researching my ancestors with very little knowledge of what I was doing. I would jump from one web page to another and just grab all the information on my family that I could. I didn't save where I got the information from. I didn't evaluate the information, I just gathered it!
I wasn't happy researching this way. I would look at my research and think, "Now, where did I get this from?" It led to a lot of frustration and confusion because I could not go back and find the information I had gathered so carelessly. Was this Jonathan, Sr. or Jonathan, Jr.? Who knew?
I decided a do over was needed. I decided I needed to get serious about my research and do a good job with it. If I was going to spend hours and hours of researching I wanted to be proud of my work. I researched genealogy software and decided on Roots Magic. I checked how-to books out of the library, I read online how-to articles, I attended workshops, I joined my local genealogical society and I started watching webinars. I started growing as a researcher.
The more knowledge I gained the more I grew as a researcher. I learned about how to conduct solid research, how to analyze sources, information and evidence. I learned about the Genealogical Proof Standard, I even printed a "Does It Meet the GPS?" card and placed it on my desk. I started a blog! I learned a lot about genealogy.
There has been discussion in the past about who can call themselves a genealogist and I don't want to get into that controversy, but Merriam-Webster defines a genealogist as a person who traces or studies the descent of persons or families. I believe this definition should be taken a step further and add "using sound research practices."
I am proud to say I am a genealogist. I didn't become one overnight. It has taken years to get to the point I am at. I am no longer a gatherer. I save the record and the source for everything! No more wondering where I got that document. I have grown as a researcher over the past ten years. Does that mean that I no longer continue to grow. No, but now I am growing as a genealogist.
I still read books and articles, attend workshops, and watch webinars. I am still a member of my local society and three others. I am President of my local society. I have taken the knowledge I have obtained and have spoken to societies. I am on the board of the Michigan Genealogical Council. I am continuing to grow, the difference is that I am doing it as a genealogist. How about you? What type of family history researcher are you?
I think I am a little of both - a genealogists and a gatherer. I'm still all over the place, but believe I am improving all the time. Let's say I'm striving, and as I continue to do that I'll get better. I'm a good researcher, but am working to become a better writer. Very good article.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Brenda! I was a gatherer too .... ashamedly. I too have seen the error of my ways in the frustration of having to redo so much of my early gathering. I too took the time to learn, study and grow. While not certified, I do consider myself a genealogist as defined by Merriam-Webster. And I continue to learn and grow - and to always Cite My Sources!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Grant. I think the more one writes the better he/she becomes. Blogging has made me a better researcher and writer and vice versa.
ReplyDeleteAncestor Archaeology, I think everyone begins as a gatherer, the excitement of finding things is more fun than recording everything.
Hi Brenda, maybe it's not an "either/or". Rare is the gardener who starts by analyzing horticulture books, taking courses at their local extension service, or joining a Master Gardener class. Often a love of gardening starts with planting some flowers (or veggies) and experimenting - facing problems and wanting to know how to be more successful - falling in love with gardening/by gardening often comes first. Becoming a genealogist (like becoming a Master Gardener) might be a process of growing in knowledge over time.
ReplyDeleteThat is true, I didn't look at it that way. The analogy to gardening is an excellent one. I have had to prune a couple of branches off my family tree as I have gotten better at researching.
ReplyDeleteI like the gardening analogy. I've ripped out beds and started over in my garden and I have done the same with my genealogy. I have favorite sections of the garden that I spend a lot of time working on and others beds are sadly neglected and it is the same with my genealogy lines.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with Anonymous above.
ReplyDeleteI am 10 years into my family history journey... I begin research into each family by gathering the information and recording the place I got said information all together. Sometimes I am able to include additional tidbits of information that enhances the story of a person's life. Other times it is all I can do to get a birth/baptism/marriage/death/burial. Sometimes it's difficult to get any further than that.
I have evolved over time; I am also continuing to evolve.
I love your garden analogy. I've been working on my family tree for nearly 40 years now (*sigh*) and now I'm pruning and weeding. I've gathered and grown. At this point I am now working on preserving and sharing the bounty. That's why I started blogging, too.
ReplyDeleteCharley, I do the same thing with my tree, and garden!
ReplyDeleteBeth, I hope you continue to evolve for many more years.
Heather, sharing the bounty is important in gardening and genealogy. Anyone need any cherry tomatoes? We have tons this year!