Family Legends, Myths & Stories - Separating Fact from Fiction

Native American ancestry is a fairly common family story, and one which may actually turn out to be true. But there really isn't such a thing as a Cherokee princess...

Three brothers immigrated together to America and then went their separate ways. One of the most popular of all family stories, this genealogy myth is almost never true.

Many families have a cherished story or two regarding their distant ancestors, but some actually more myth than reality. Learn how to prove or disprove your family's stories, and explore some of the most common family legends - the ones that very rarely turn out to be true.

Are your family legends only stories? Finding the answer is part of genealogy and this article by Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens helps point you in the right direction.

Professional genealogist Myra Vanderpool Gormley examines some of the most popular family legends handed down in American families. From Missing Links.

Professional genealogist Sharon DeBartolo Carmack examines some of the most common American family legends including the Cherokee Indian Princess myth, the Three Brothers myth, the Ellis Island Baptism myth and more.

A step-by-step example of one researcher's journey to prove or disprove a family legend.

A mailing list for anyone who is researching families with legends of Native American ancestry.

Tall-tales and family fables hold more substance than you may imagine. Three family historians provide tips to integrating legends into your family history.

A good article by Donna Przecha on immigrant name changes that explains why the story of the family name being changed at Ellis Island is probably a myth.

Marie Webster Weisbrod provides many helpful examples of a genealogist's quest to prove or disprove a family legend.