How to Document Your Family History

With the advance of technology, researchers are finding it easier to locate ancestors in public documents and record family histories. Digital cameras and camcorders allow families to capture events and stories from a primary source--our elders. Oral traditions are priceless when combined with solid research and public records.

Things You'll Need

• A digital camera or camcorder
• Family Groupsheets
• Scanner for old photos
• Blank notebook paper

Instructions

Recording Family History for Future Generations

1. Locate elders and arrange a time to talk about family history. Explain your desire to record the interview for a visual and audio account of family stories and events. Most importantly, let your family member know how interested you are in preserving the history of your family and how important they are in documenting oral tradition.

2. Make a list of questions. Prepare for this meeting by writing down questions. When were you born? Where were you born? Where did you live? What was it like while you were growing up? Your questions may inspire more questions during the interview. Recording first-hand knowledge of these events fills in gaps between names on ancestral group sheets. The details provide family members with a strong sense of who they are and where they originated.

3. Set up the camera or camcorder on the day of the meeting. Reassure that the video is intended to be a valuable resource for family members who want to know more about their culture and heritage. Allow the family member to speak freely during the interview even if he or she deviates from the questions on the list. This is a time for listening.

4. Ask to see old photos during the interview. The photos may initiate more stories as your family elder recognizes faces and relates events of the photo. Seek permission to scan photos. Technological advantages make it easy to scan and save images quickly. Be sure to return photographs promptly. Family portraits are treasures and many elders may feel reluctant to let go of them even for a brief period of time. Respect their concerns and show them their trust is safe with you by acting responsibly with family pictures.

5. Prepare a family groupsheet. You can use standard pre-printed group sheets available at public libraries and genealogical societies. Or, you may create your own page with family information. Carefully, document names, dates, places and children. Gather as much information as you can during this interview. This will prove useful for the next step.

6. 

   Verify family information. After the oral history is recorded, it is time to collect public records to support information provided during the interview. Visit or write courthouses in counties which hold vital records. Request copies of birth, marriage and death records. Collect copies of family bible records or old letters from family members willing to share personal records.

7. Organize the oral interviews, copied photos and scanned documents in saved files on your computer. If you have a DVD burner, make multiple copies for other family members who are interested in learning more about their heritage. Every family has incredible stories which should be preserved and passed down throughout the generations. Too many times family members wish they would have made time to speak with elders before it was too late. Make sure your family history is not lost. Record your family history now.

Resources

• Ancestry
• RootsWeb