IGSI blog postings are generally facts related to genealogy, e.g., research tips, announcements about new record sets or upcoming events, etc.

Instead, today we're sharing some myths.

First a long list of genealogical myths compiled by FamilyTree Magazine (and more fully described here):

Myth 1: Surnames were changed at Ellis Island.

Myth 2: It's in print. It must be true!

Myth 3: All the records you need about your family history are online.

Myth 4: This is my ancestor, according to these 423 online trees.

Myth 5: We descent from a Cherokee princess.

Myth 6: The courthouse burned and the records are gone.

Myth 7: Same surname--must be a relative.

Myth 8: Hey look, it's our family crest!

Myth 9: Three brothers came to America...

Myth 10: Source citations are just for professionals.

Myth 11: Our ancestors were much shorter than we are.

Myth 12: Our ancestors died young.

Myth 13: Our ancestors were mostly illiterate.

But wait, there's more! Claire Bradley, genetic genealogist and blogger in Ireland, recently wrote about three of her favorites (the first a general myth and two specifically Irish):

• In twelve generations, you’d have over 4000 ancestors.
• All Irish records were destroyed in a fire. (You likely know about this one!)
• Everyone in Ireland who is a bit sallow or olive-skinned must descend from someone in the Spanish Armada.

Read Claire's explanations about these myths here.

Thanks to FlippedIt for the image of Sergeant Joe Friday.