Genealogical Support to Wikipedia Articles

Wikipedians are pushing beyond the edges of current biography. As we widen the scope of our pursuits, Wikipedians are outstripping the ability of biographers to keep up with our many tangential interests. This calls for creative solutions.

Genealogy databases support Wikipedia production quite nicely. Over the past six months or so, I've dug into the US Census, Social Security Death Index, and other databases to find details about individuals about whom little has been written. I've gathered some information about Henry B. Vincent, founder of the Erie Playhouse, using the US Census and other public sources. An article should be forthcoming soon. I've recently helped a couple of folks working diligently to upgrade the Wiki articles on Pennsylvania state parks. Turns out that Maurice K. Goddard is a major figure in the establishment of the park system in Pennsylvania, but no one could find his date of birth. So I used the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) to find his records. (SSDI has him as Maurice V. Goddard for some reason, but the other details all match nicely. What, the USG make a mistake?! Humbug!) For the Colton Point State Park article, the duo of Wikipedians wanted to know more about Henry Colton, for whom the park is named. I found some interesting details about this Williamsport lumberman in the US Census, local newspaper clippings, and a local history. (You can see the results of my digging on the Colton Point State Park discussion page.)

Wiki is a great way to develop local historical biography. Genealogy is a great way to support biographical production. Get creative in your pursuit of the details of your community leaders.