4. Genealogical Hacking with Non-Traditional Sources
Go beyond the usual genealogical resources and delve into unconventional archives such as meteorological records, old maps, land-use documents, or hyper-local newspapers. These sources can reveal critical events, like extreme weather or epidemics, that influenced your ancestors’ decisions and shaped their lives in ways traditional records don’t capture.
Pros:
– Sheds light on unique factors influencing ancestors’ lives.
– Often uncovers information unavailable in standard genealogical records.
– Adds depth and context to family stories.
Cons:
– Requires creative thinking and extensive research.
– Access to non-traditional sources may be limited or costly.
– Interpretation of data can be complex or subjective.
In case you’re wondering, this is the fourth response, raw and unedited, in an experiment with ChatGPT. I prompted it with “Suggest a disruptive approach or five to investigating your family history. Please add pros and cons for each of the five items.” Share your thoughts, please.