I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to speak to relatives - especially those who are elderly - while you have the opportunity. Databases and paperwork can provide plenty of information, but what they can't provide are personal memories, family stories and more besides. These are the elements that add colour and depth to your family heritage. It's often termed as putting flesh on the bones of family history.
Prepare with Purpose
As the interviewer, your preparation is key. This is a unique opportunity and you want to optimize your time together; you don't want to regret poor groundwork. So, here are eight key pointers:
1. Have a list of questions and topics you'd like to explore (examples below). These will keep you focused and best placed to gain valuable information.
2. Ensure the setting is comfortable and relaxed. Have refreshments on hand. Ideally, it will take place at your relative's home.
3. Record everything - with their consent of course. This may be audio or video; if not make detailed (and legible) notes. You cannot possibly rely on memory alone.
4. Respect and don't push boundaries. If you sense a question is causing discomfort then move on, do not press him or her.
5. Visual aids. Old photos and documents can prove can prove a great memory prompt and talking point. Bring what you have to the interview. Either beforehand or on the day, ask what photos etc. they are happy to share. Remember to take quality copies.
6. Bring along your latest family tree. Just like photos this can ignite conversation. They can check it and gaps can be filled in.
7. Be patient. Your relative may be recalling information from half a century ago, so be understanding if it's not on the tip of their tongue.
8. Be flexible. Open-ended questions encourage storytelling. In all likelihood this will throw up more questions, so be ready to dig deeper. Once explored return to your pre-prepared questions.
Interview Questions
You will undoubtedly have to tailor some of the following. Further questions will arise from your research to date. The ebb and flow of your interview will also give rise to follow-up queries.
1. What is your full name? When and where were you born?
2. What were your parents' full names, date of birth and birthplace? Did they have nicknames?
3. How did your parents meet? When and where did they marry?
4. What were your siblings full names, dates of birth and birthplace? Did they have nicknames?
5. What work did your parents do and where?
6. Did your family attend church, and if so which?
7. Did any of your family serve in the military?
8. When did your parents die and where are they buried?
9. Where did your family live over the years? What was it like living in these areas?
10. What schools/colleges/universities did you and and your siblings attend?
11. Where did you go on holidays as a family?
12. What events stand out to you from your childhood?
13. What have you been told and remember about your grandparents?
14. What have you been told and remember about your aunts and uncles?
15. What were your jobs and special interests?
16. How did you meet your partner? When and where did you marry?
17. What family anecdotes can you share?
18. Can you describe the personalities of your family members?
19. Were you or any family ever mentioned in a newspaper?
20. Did you have godparents? Can you tell me about close family friends?
