| Family history research has gained in popularity at | | | | expecting dates, names and places. If your |
| about the same rate as genealogical resources | | | | relative is really reluctant, suggest another person |
| have gone online. Hundreds and thousands of | | | | comes in on the interview - perhaps their spouse |
| websites and online databases now hold millions of | | | | or child - to relieve some of the their anxiety |
| records that can be accessed with just a click | | | | about being put on the spot. |
| and, sometimes, a subscription. No wonder so | | | | Let them see a list of your questions in advance. |
| many beginner genealogists believe all they have | | | | This ensures they have a chance to prepare, but |
| to do to find their ancestors is grab their credit | | | | let them know that it's perfectly okay to not |
| card and turn on a computer. | | | | answer a question. They don't have to give a |
| But if you speak to many successful genealogists | | | | reason. |
| (and probably a good few not so successful | | | | The face-to-face interview is always easier for |
| genealogists, too) you will hear that their biggest | | | | both parties, and often yields better results in |
| mistake was not delaying going online or not failing | | | | terms of storytelling. Such a meeting may not be |
| to invest in the best family tree software | | | | possible with each of your relatives, in which case |
| imaginable. Their number one regret is that they | | | | opt for a telephone interview. Either way, be sure |
| didn't seek out and sit down with every one of | | | | to follow the tips below for a successful interview: |
| their elderly relatives and quiz their recollections | | | | · Arrange a date and time in advance and be |
| about people and events, listen to their stories, | | | | punctual. |
| and ask them to identify the people and locations | | | | · Send your questions and any photos |
| in all the unlabelled photographs in the family | | | | documents you want to discuss, in advance. |
| album. | | | | · If phoning, accept the cost of the call (your |
| No matter how many genealogy records are | | | | relative may give abrupt answers if he/she is |
| online, there is never likely to be a better | | | | mindful of the phone bill). |
| resource than your own relatives for the facts | | | | · Record the conversation. Cheap gadgets are |
| and colour that reveal your family's story through | | | | available. Using them allows you to concentrate on |
| the ages. These are the people who knew your | | | | what your relative is saying rather than you |
| ancestral characters first-hand, who heard the | | | | struggling to keep up while making notes. |
| family tales while sitting at their grandfather's | | | | · Don't interrupt silences. Give your relative time |
| knee or who witnessed the pivotal or momentous | | | | to think. |
| events that occur in most generations. | | | | · Keep the interview to one hour, maximum. |
| So if you've decided to get serious about your | | | | Schedule a follow up call if necessary. |
| family research, it's time to get talking to your | | | | · Send a thank you note or gift after the |
| relatives. Older relatives should be your priority | | | | interview. |
| because they are usually the best source of | | | | A successful interview will bring you plenty of |
| stories that date furthest back, but don't overlook | | | | wonderful stories and details, may clear up |
| younger family members. They may well have | | | | mysteries, and may provide valuable clues for |
| heard stories from an older generation that may | | | | later investigation. So if you're starting out on |
| now have passed away. | | | | your family tree research (or even if you're |
| Approach the subject of an interview carefully. | | | | already further along!), don't head straight to the |
| Tell the relative that the interview will be a time | | | | computer. It can wait. Chatting with great aunt |
| to chat about fond memories and tales. Reassure | | | | Ellen, with Grandad Scully and second cousin |
| them that you want to hear their stories, their | | | | James cannot. |
| feelings about people and events, and you're not | | | | |