Link: http://www.dearmyrtle.com/01/0322.htm

"Genealogy is proven family history. Mythology is not." With these words, Ferna Lary begins her article on keeping an open mind at all times during our journey to find our ancestors. "The best tool a genealogist can have is an inquiring eye when it comes to any and all data. IGI records, PAF files, GEDCOM's and family histories are only as good as the researcher who put them together. It doesn't mean they don't include valuable research information, because more often than not this information will help you find another hole to dig around in or another location to research that you hadn't thought of before. But remember it's mythology until you prove it." An open mind is our best ally in ferreting out the truth. Don't ignore the obvious because it's unexpected. Don't unwaveringly accept the proof because it's "written in stone" when all other evidence suggests a different story. Ferna gives a fresh approach to analyzing genealogical data and her article is well worth reading.