PNLA Quarterly, Vol. 63 No.1 Fall 1998

Bathtubs, Biographies and Burials: A Guide to Doing Ordinary and Extraordinary Historical Research

Colman's nothing-can-stop-us attitude toward research, writing and life was obvious when a widespread power failure occurred at the beginning of her presentation. Despite her plans to use 2 audio pieces, 3 video clips, 9 overheads and multiple slides, she launched into a lively description of what it takes to be a happy (and successful) researcher.

"Are you feeling visual today?" she laughed as she described her first "slide" in front of the black screen. "Driving on a remote country road you spot a ramshackle building with weedy flower beds and a sign reading Raven's Books. Would you go in? Yes? You're researchers!" she announced. Young people doing homework research or investigating personal interests need the same traits and skills as a writer of non-fiction. Using examples from her work, Colman illustrated the necessary characteristics. Be Inquisitive is the first attribute of a happy researcher. Look, be curious, pay attention to everything that catches your fancy or makes you say "wow!" Research materials, arranged into boxes of hanging files and carefully labeled file folders demonstrated Be Organized.

Be Patient, Persistent and Observant was third. Ask for a picture of Rosie the Riveter, and many people will describe the WWII poster of a young woman flexing her bicep. While researching a book about working women, Colman noticed the word Westinghouse on that familiar image. Her observation raised questions and through persistent delving, she untangled a popular myth from reality (hint--that is not Rosie).

Be Energetic and Willing to do primary research. A whitewater trip on the Colorado River supplies more wet, scary information than a room full of travelogues. Be Eclectic. Research is not just found in old books and documents. Information is carried through time by material objects: tombstones, tools, toys, all the physical evidence of past lives. Build Connections, since answers often come bundled together with more questions. Looking at the headstone of Harriet Tubman Davis, Colman found herself wondering "who's Davis?" Be Skeptical. A writer once stated if he read something three times, he knew it was true. "I suspect it is not!" Ms Colman maintained, and then proved by example.

The return of electricity allowed everyone to share the experience of analyzing a primary source. We listened to and discussed both versions of the song "Rosie the Riveter" made popular during WWII. Released years apart, the tone, singer, and orchestration showed how the song was used to entice very different segments of the female population into the work force.

Colman described her research process from brainstormed lists of questions through information gathering, to finding the narrative hook that pulls things together and grabs the reader. Finally, there is checking facts and re-checking to ensure accuracy an authenticity.

Even after a book is published the discovery process does not end. There is often another twist or "aha!" in the non-linear, messy, rewarding world of historical research. Colman gave us an entertaining, informative glimpse into that world.