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Viewing Family Trees That Talk: Interviewing Relatives for GenealogyFamily Trees That Talk: Interviewing Relatives for Genealogy
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As a means of researching family trees, interviewing relatives can be an enjoyable experience, BUT there are some rules that need to be followed. As with anything worthwhile, genealogy does have guidelines if you are serious about family history. By Wayne Thomas As a means of researching family trees, interviewing relatives can be a really enjoyable experience for both parties, BUT there are some rules that need to be followed. As with anything worthwhile, genealogy does have guidelines if you are at all serious about family history. 5 Simple Rules Verify or Else Family interviews are a fantastic way to fill in the gaps in your family trees, and will provide far more information than you could ever glean from a marriage certificate. The quality and detail can be extraordinary and enlightening, BUT don't accept everything Uncle George says as being entirely accurate. His 'true story' may not be true at all. THE FIRST RULE IN GENEALOGY IS VERIFY - wherever possible. The truth can be stretched, twisted, bent and made to disappear altogether. That doesn't mean Uncle George is lying, he may just be repeating what he was told by someone else or may have forgotten the details over time. Handy Interviewing Questions Okay, so here are some sample questions to get your family trees talking. These are in addition to the mandatory ones such as names, dates of birth, marriage, death etc. 1. Describe your childhood - relationship with parents, siblings. 2. The greatest joy of your childhood was .......? 3. As a child, what was your worst fear? 4. What was your father's occupation and what was the quality of your life like as a child? 5. How would you describe your parents and or grandparents - physical characteristics and qualities? 6. What is the most pleasant memory you have of your parents and or grandparents? 7. What was the dumbest thing you ever did as a child? 8. What was your most memorable holiday? 9. What was one thing that attracted you to your spouse? Why? 10. What was the most difficult moment for you as a parent? 11. What one thing would you change in your role as a parent? 12. What would you like your children to most remember about you? 13. What was your greatest fear as a parent? 14. What activities do you enjoy? 15. What do you find really annoying in other peoples actions or characteristics? Play with the questions. Add to them if you wish. They are just to get you thinking. Good hunting! About the Author: Wayne Thomas has been involved in genealogy for over 25 years. His website has loads of resources for the beginner and beyond, plus a free ebook. Visit at www.new2-geaneology.com. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
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