Also as someone who has worked on her own genealogy and gone through
forced genealogical school projects, I totally agree with Melinda.

>>> Melinda Yates <[log in to unmask]>  6/26/97, 06:01am >>>
     As someone who has done her own genealogy and worked with
individuals doing genealogical research at the New York State
Library, I share Carol Kammen's reservations about genealogy as a
project for students. Ms. Kammen is not "alone."

     I think any genealogical project should be optional. In this
way, those children who do not want to participate or are
uncomfortable can elect to do an alternative project.
(Jim Corsaro also made this point.)

      I also think a mandated genealogical project is an invasion of
a child's right to privacy -- and, by extension, that of his or her
family.

      Genealogical research is best begun voluntarily whatever the
history or composition of one's family.




                                    Melinda Yates
                                    New York State Library
                                    Reference Services