08.06.08
Research: What Does it Mean?
What does the word “research” mean to you? To me, research consists of making new discoveries that have been previously unexamined. Research is the gathering of facts, and more importantly, placing small facts within a greater context.
The process of research can take many forms. Usually, a researcher begins by asking one question, or even a lot of questions for which answers are sought. Investigation of any subject requires using all the resources available to find the answer. Some clues will be right under a researcher’s nose. For other information, more effort is required.
When you begin asking questions of an individual, the researcher never knows what that person knows or who else can be located through the contact. In my recent research project, one lady told me of another lady and she happened to personally know the family members who had letters, a diary, and old quilts that served up vital details. She also had documents for which I’d searched, high and low, so to speak. Wow! I felt I’d hit the jackpot.
Call it serendipity or lady luck or just plain persistence. Without constant inquiry, I would not have been able to create such a comprehensive project. We are just finishing this work. I would never have guessed that I could locate so much information about this woman’s genealogy, her friends, family, work life, religion, leisure activities, travels, education, and writings. It was beyond my imagination that I would find not one, but two, people who knew her, even though, if she were living, she’d be 141 years old.
Some facts (and photos) were more difficult to obtain and then suddenly, became available at the least likely time. I would never have thought that I’d ultimately put together such a large document. Right now, before further additions, it stands at 346 pages with 323 photos. More will be added.
I began with having access to some partially correct “facts,” and some egregiously wrong ideas. This exercise has been a reality check, that is a check of facts for viability, as well as a broad expansion of known details about Ellen Webster.
I am eager to add a few more photos, finish the Bibliography, and otherwise deal with the details that need to be finished. I am happy because of all the new historical information I learned and can now share. It is also a JOY to correct the record. Now, others can know Mrs. Webster’s true name, and enjoy her accomplishments and contributions.
The CD is scheduled to be released in the fall, and will be marketed by, and for, the Museum of New Hampshire History. Stay tuned!
Patricia Lynne Cummings, author of “The Amazing Quilt Charts of Ellen Emeline Hardy Webster, (1867-1950),” a five page article currently presented in The Quilter, Sept. 2008 issue
