I think this is one of the most important thing we need to be cognizant of as family historians and genealogists. Thanks for addressing it. Something I do that helps me is adding historical context to my frame of reference, for example, reading newspapers of the day, first-person sources and historically accurate nonfiction, and then looking at the records through that lens.
Agree 100%. I have found myself guilty of this at times only to uncover more data that contravenes my own "jump to conclusion too early" narrative. This is exactly the reason why details matter. A very common occurrence is assuming a word back then means the same thing that it does today. Want to start a fight? Just ask several people what "A well regulated militia" means in the context of the Constitution.
Great article and so true. As a descendant of Australian convicts the bias that gets put on "oh those poor souls who only stole a loaf of bread to feed the family". Often times that small misdemeanour was the straw that broke the camels back. When you dig deeper or in my case, my ancestor was counterfeiting coins, it's not that he must have been poor and needed the money. When you read the surrounding newspaper articles and read that he was part of a gang!! He knew what he was doing.
The funny part of adding historical context is often it’s not believed. When I say there was an organization called the American Protective League rounding up men and forcing them to register for the draft in 1916-1917, I get blank stares back.
I think this is one of the most important thing we need to be cognizant of as family historians and genealogists. Thanks for addressing it. Something I do that helps me is adding historical context to my frame of reference, for example, reading newspapers of the day, first-person sources and historically accurate nonfiction, and then looking at the records through that lens.
Agree 100%. I have found myself guilty of this at times only to uncover more data that contravenes my own "jump to conclusion too early" narrative. This is exactly the reason why details matter. A very common occurrence is assuming a word back then means the same thing that it does today. Want to start a fight? Just ask several people what "A well regulated militia" means in the context of the Constitution.
Haha! Sooo true!
Great article and so true. As a descendant of Australian convicts the bias that gets put on "oh those poor souls who only stole a loaf of bread to feed the family". Often times that small misdemeanour was the straw that broke the camels back. When you dig deeper or in my case, my ancestor was counterfeiting coins, it's not that he must have been poor and needed the money. When you read the surrounding newspaper articles and read that he was part of a gang!! He knew what he was doing.
I couldn't agree more. It is so important to consider our ancestors objectively in the context of their own time and place.
It’s so important to remove yourself and examine the facts. Time changes and things evolve!! Thanks for reading.
The funny part of adding historical context is often it’s not believed. When I say there was an organization called the American Protective League rounding up men and forcing them to register for the draft in 1916-1917, I get blank stares back.