John Blankenbaker's Germanna History Notes

Note 175

In the last few notes, I have spent time critiquing a recently published article.  While this article may have had more than its share of problems, it is not unusual.  These problems in history extend to the professionals in the field.  Even they produce works based on what other workers are writing, not on what the participants wrote or said.  This uncritical copying is rampant.

I wrote to one man who had written a pamphlet on Spotswood and Iron, and pointed out some errors in his statements based on what people wrote at the time of the events.  This man replied to me, in essence, "Don't tell me the facts; I'm just going to repeat what so-and-so said."  Eradicating errors is not easy when people adopt such cavalier attitudes.

The lesson for us here is that much of what has been written is in error.  Don't trust what someone else says; do your own research.  It takes no unusual skills to be a historian.  I try, where I can, to improve upon the history of our Germanna people.  I have two outlets in general, the newsletter, Beyond Germanna, and such public talks as I am able to give.

(I will be giving three talks on Saturday, September 20, at the Hebron Lutheran Church in Madison, Virginia, under the auspices of the Virginia Chapter of Palatines to America.  In addition to the talks, there will be an organ concert on the 1802 Tannenberg organ (approaching its 200th birthday!!).  During the talks I will be reviewing the history of the Germans east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a special emphasis on the Second Colony who made their home around Hebron, and conclude with a discussion of the Hebron Church itself and especially of its more important documents.  Some of the thoughts I will be presenting are novel, but well grounded in the historical evidence.

Advance reservations at $25 per person must be made with the registrar, Monika Edick.  She would like to know how many people are coming by September 12 which is only three days away.  If you feel the time pressure, call her at (703)-591-3656.  Her address is 3249 Cambridge Court, Fairfax, VA 22030.  The early registration list is very impressive.  I am very much looking forward to meeting old friends and new people.)