APG-L Archives

From: "Rick Sayre" <>
Subject: [APG] "Why Genealogy is Bunk."
Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:48:05 -0700

Richard Conniff has an article in the July issue of the Smithsonian that
won't warm your heart. A lot of people will probably read it since the
article is highlighted on the cover as "Why Genealogy is Bunk." Thru the
selected discussion of controversies such as Roots, he attacks the
credibility of genealogical research. His thesis seems to be that we are all
in pursuit of famous ancestors, and that connection is irrelevant anyway
since it only takes a few generations for our genetic linkage to our
ancestors to be unidentifiable. My mother would not agree with Mr. Conniff.
Late in her life, her genealogical research led to the discovery of five
living half siblings. It gave her great comfort in the last few years of her
life to have a new family with which to connect. I was fortunate enough to
take her to Pittsburgh for the reunion. Conniff does acknowledge that he has
discovered new first cousins but it does not seem to mean much to him. I did
not see much balance in this article - not sure why Smithsonian would
promote the views in the article. If you need to boost your blood pressure
give it a read.





Richard "Rick" G. Sayre, CG

===========

Certified Genealogist (CG) is a service mark of the Board for Certification
of GenealogistsR, used under license by board-certified associates who meet
genealogical competency standards prescribed for this program.

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• [APG] "Why Genealogy is Bunk." by "Rick Sayre" <>