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INTERVIEWING RELATIVES

In most families, the largest bulk of family history resides in the memories of the family members themselves. The older generations, especially, will have many tales to tell of family doings and adventures. Unless these memories are recorded now, they could be lost forever should someone die.

Interview and correspond with older family members as soon as possible. They may be the only ones remembering who came over, when, or why, or where the family originated, These vital clues may save time and money in later research, and may allow an opportunity to learn about other old family members to correspond with while they are still alive

Using Audio and Video Tape For Your Interview

The best interview, of course, is one that is video or audio taped. If you can tape your relatives, you have their voices, as well their stories. If you use a video camera, you can also capture their body language, their expressions, and often pictures of the place where they live. What a treasure!

Using Computer and Video Chat for Your Interview

The newest way to interview relatives is by chatting on the internet. Some programs, like Yahoo Messenger with Voice, allow talking to and actually seeing the distant relatives. If the relative being interviewed types important information, the chat can be saved, or their words cut and pasted into a text editor to file and print. I use a LogicTec QuickCam to Videochat with family members. It is an amazing and quick way to learn from your family members across the miles.

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Family Interviews | Forms for Recording Genealogical Information | Software |
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This website written and designed by:
Sharon Marie Centanne,
Genealogy Research Instructor and Internet Trainer
Please direct any questions to:
Sharon.

This page updated April 26, 2008

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