Anne Patterson Rodda

Trespassers in Time: Genealogists and Microhistorians Anne Patterson Rodda

"The book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the connections between local and family history and the broader disciplines of which they are a part." -- John Grenham

"This masterly work combines the craft of the historian and the skill of the genealogist in a satisfying exploration of the small worlds that made up Ireland in the past. An essential book for anyone who wants to understand how family history should be done." -- Raymond Gillespie, National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Anne Patterson Rodda, Certified Genealogist, has a Doctor of Letters (D. Litt.) degree in Irish Studies from Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, U. S. A. Anne has been a genealogist since 1990, specializing in tracing to the birthplaces of emigrants to America. Starting with her own ancestors from Denmark, Germany, and Ireland, she became immersed in Irish genealogy over the years. Spending more and more time in Ireland, she learned its history and culture as family historians do, through the eyes of antecedents. "I heard about the graduate program in Irish Studies at Drew University, with Christine Kinealy, their Professor of Irish History, just when my research was pulling me into learning more about Irish history, literature and culture. I wanted to learn how to place family histories in their wider historical context, as genealogists strive to do." So began Anne's exploration of the various methodologies of historical research used over the centuries and on through to the most recent theories being discussed in the United States and in Europe. Trespassers in Time is a review of Anne's study of the history of history. Her exploration led to her belief that microhistory is the most useful approach for genealogists. She invites readers to explore with her and draw their own conclusions.

(Certified Genealogist is a service mark of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluation.)