Embarking on a genealogy heritage trip can be a transformative experience, offering a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and providing a deeper understanding of our own identity. Recently, I had the opportunity to delve into the social history of nine generations of my Cook lineage, tracing their footsteps across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Along the way, I encountered fascinating discoveries, stood on hallowed grounds, and was reminded of the significance of authentic genealogical sources.
In the birthplace of the infamous Salem witch trials, I stood on the land once owned by my 10th great grandfather. Now replaced by a couple of run-of-the-mill storefronts, a small plague on the wall signifying the location of the old courthouse, helped to confirm we were in the exact spot where Henry Cook/e (abt 1615- 1661) once lived. With a small Ziploc baggie of earth in hand, a tangible connection to the past, I quickly realized the importance of physically immersing oneself in the ancestral environment.
In Wallingford, Connecticut, I paid homage to my 9th great grandfather, Samuel Cook (1641-1703) whose name was immortalized on a memorial plaque dedicated to the town's founders. While it was a proud moment to witness his inclusion in the town's history, it underscored the need to corroborate such information with original sources. Derivative sources, like plaques and monuments, can be invaluable starting points, but they should be cross-referenced and validated through primary materials. Fortunately, deeper, conclusive research had already been conducted, so this find was just icing on the proverbial cake.
In the realm of genealogy, it is essential to understand the distinction between original, derivative, and authored sources. Original sources are the firsthand records created at the time of an event, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, or land deeds. These sources provide the most accurate and reliable information. Derivative sources, on the other hand, are derived from original sources and include indexes, transcriptions, and compilations. While derivative sources can be useful for preliminary research, they should always be cross-verified with original records. Authored sources encompass personal accounts, memoirs, and diaries written by individuals with firsthand knowledge or experiences. While these sources offer valuable insights, they should be approached with caution, as biases or lapses in memory may be present.
By utilizing a combination of original, derivative, and authored sources, genealogists can construct a comprehensive and accurate picture of their family history, avoiding potential pitfalls and uncovering the most reliable information available.
Among the countless cemeteries I explored, one particularly intriguing discovery in Saratoga Springs, New York shook the foundations of information I had previously believed to be true. A popular online genealogy database provided the names of two extended family members, among those included in a larger family mausoleum. However, the actual cemetery records directly conflicted with that online source. Two of my extended family members believed to be buried here, are actually not. On the genealogy website, part of the burial information had been inaccurately recorded. This revelation reinforced the significance of original sources, like cemetery records and gravestones, which offer firsthand accounts and reliable information, as opposed to an online compilation.
Touring the Oklahoma training track in Saratoga Springs, New York was an extraordinary experience that transported me back in time, offering a glimpse into the rich history of horse racing. As I stepped onto the hallowed grounds of the track, it was impossible not to feel a sense of awe and wonder, knowing that my second great grandfather was part of this storied place. The stable stalls, steadfastly standing since the track's inception, provide a tangible connection to my ancestor's world. As I entered these stalls, I couldn't help but imagine Frank Taylor (1869-1941) walking the same paths, tending to the magnificent thoroughbreds that graced these stalls long ago. The air is thick with the scent of hay, leather, and the faint remnants of equine presence, evoking a profound sense of heritage and familial connection. In that moment, I became a witness to the legacy left by my second great grandfather and gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication and passion he must have had for his work. I honestly could have stood at the rail watching those magnificent horses train for hours.
My genealogy heritage trip was a remarkable journey that deepened my connection to the past and instilled a greater appreciation for the importance of authentic genealogical sources. From standing on ancestral land and exploring cemeteries to encountering discrepancies in online databases, I learned firsthand the significance of original sources in uncovering the truth about our ancestors. By delving into original records and cross-referencing derivative and authored sources, we can paint a more accurate and vivid picture of our family history, ensuring that our heritage is preserved authentically for generations to come.
Are you planning a heritage trip? Let's work together to make sure your research is strong before you go!
Disclaimer: Each blog post is created and presented for marketing and entertainment purposes only but are based on larger research which adheres to the standards of The Board of Certification of Genealogists® as set forth in Genealogical Standards (Nashville, Tenn.: Ancestry Imprint, Turner Publishing, 2014).
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