Overview

The Micro-Historian’s Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions imparts useful guidance to motivated historians, genealogists, special interest researchers, and local history enthusiasts. As long-buried sources become available via the internet, more regular folks without a Ph.D. in history are joining the fun of information-gathering and shining new light on under-explored history – yet often with no foundation of method. The author answers the call with this volume, “paying forward” the guidance received from long-ago mentors as well as from present-day historians and archivists. Topics include research planning & execution, evaluation of evidence, formulation of conclusions, and the crafting of a summary narrative. Each topic is enriched by practical examples from the author’s experience. The aim is to help the new practitioner build a foundation of research skills that leads to evidence-based conclusions. The author’s perspective of experience – as a disciplined researcher, but also with roots as a no-nonsense old-school newspaper reporter – occasionally prompts a mild tease of the buttoned-down genealogy proof standard, or conversely, a deflating poke at flabby interpretation … and moribund academic writing … wherever it may fester. The Micro-Historian’s Guide to Research, Evidence, & Conclusions draws theory from dozens of history, genealogy, historiography, and research giants through the ages. The book also pays tribute to that long-ago cigar-chomping newspaper editor who admonished a young reporter: “Yer mother sez she loves ya’? You still gotta check it out!”

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9781538137390

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Reviews

This layman's guide to the principles and practices of microhistory research instructs the non-professional researcher in the most efficient, effective strategies for converting historical evidence and analysis into a coherent microhistory narrative.--Patricia Peknik, associate professor of American History at Berklee College of Music Mr. Bacon walks the reader through the research process from start to finish with clear instructions, helpful charts and diagrams, and examples, with humorous observations sprinkled throughout.--Amanda Nelson, attorney and independent museum professional This small but no nonsense book packs a wallop in the information shared. Bacon shows the reader how to progress through the often daunting path of planning and executing a research project. While targeted at historians - from professional to local - the advice rings true for other fields as well. Bacon's style often uses humor but drives home the serious nature of good research coupled with critical thinking. His take nothing for granted approach is refreshing and extremely good advice. I'd like to see this book used by all my students as well as any friends who are budding historians or genealogists. It is one of the most accessible books I have read.--Katherine Burton Jones, Director of the Graduate Program in Museum Studies, Harvard Extensions School This book fills the need of a diverse constituency of academics, professionals, and do-gooders who are united in their attempts to make sense of the past. Its approachability, clarity, and brevity can all but guarantee successful outcomes.--Kenneth Jacobs, PhD, Architectural Historian

Author Information

"Reginald W. Bacon is a museum and history professional with specialties in early American architecture and domestic life --- and early 20th-century music, vaudeville, and circus. His first career as a journalist and editor --- an old-school news reporter in the profession that ""writes the first draft of history"" ---built the foundation for his current books and research, as well as his work for museums and historic sites. A graduate of Syracuse University (Newhouse School of Public Communications; Maxwell School of Public Affairs) and Harvard (Museum Studies), he is the author of a dozen books on history and performing arts topics"

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