Method

Method is important to our work. As historian we depend on peer-reviewed literature, and use the arguments and facts established in the larger field (through peer-review) to interpret primary source documents.

Like detectives and lawyers, historians want ample evidence before they make a statement or share an interpretation.

What this means for our project is that topics with little or few secondary sources, or information not supported, or insufficiently supported, or simply unconvincing are treated with skepticism. We see a firm line between what can be categorize as “lore” and historical fact but recognize the value of lore in understanding society and culture.

In putting these tours together graduate students read peer-reviewed publications, found and interpreted primary sources, and spoke with people within the community to access their knowledge. Working together like a web, none of the three sources can stand on their own.

Last updated: 3/30/2022