How to Write the History of an American Jewish Community Page: 12
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even if these latter-day descendants live out of town. Write to
those members of the family who are out of the city, and
ask for any papers that they may have. You may find, to
your gratification, that they have saved many.
When you have finished your interview, come back at
another time, read aloud what you have written, and ask
the person who is giving you the information to make any
corrections or additions that may be necessary. It would be
wise, also, to submit the same interviews to others of the
same generation or to persons who may have some knowl-
edge of the same period or events.
When writing down what people tell you, bear in mind,
constantly, that memory is a treacherous thing. Some old
folks tend to embellish their stories by dramatizing them-
selves. In general, we would recommend that you exercise a
healthy skepticism, not only toward all oral material, but
also toward all written and printed records which you ex-
amine. Out of his own bitter experience the historian has
learned to trust no statement completely. You would do well
to remember the fatuous proverb of the moron: "I know
it's true; I seen it in a book." You will never go wrong if
you memorize and bear in mind the following three basic
rules which every good historian follows slavishly: Check,
check once more, and then recheck again!
Jewish Magazines. Your task will be made much easier if
there is a Jewish periodical in your town. Get hold of a copy
of a file beginning with the first issue, and work carefully
through it. Read everything it contains about your com-
munity, its outstanding individuals, and its institutions. Do
not overlook the advertisements; they are frequently a mine
of information. If your town does not have a Jewish paper,
then use the one from the town nearest to you.. 12 .
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Marcus, Jacob Rader, 1896-1995. How to Write the History of an American Jewish Community, pamphlet, 1964; Cincinnati, Ohio. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1436803/m1/14/?q=%22~1~1%22~1&rotate=270: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rosenberg Library.