How to Conduct Personal History Interviews

Personal history interviews can be productive if done properly.

Personal history interviews are a good way to learn more about historical events, from events in your family to those that had an impact on a nation. Personal history interviews can help verify information about antique items, debunk tall tales and enhance a story to give it more meaning. Professional historians, genealogists and journalists often conduct personal history interviews, but with good preparation, anyone can gather valuable information about his own family or areas of interest.

Things You'll Need

• Historic materials
• Tape recorder or video camera
• Consent form

Instructions

1. Conduct research on the interviewee and historical events that took place during her life before the interview. This will help you develop a clear focus or goal for the interview. For example, if you want to learn more about an individual's life during a war, learn more about that particular war and the city in which the interviewee lived. This research will help you frame your questions better.

2. Prepare a list of interview questions. Even the best journalists and historians prepare interview questions. While you do not have to ask all the questions, the list will serve as a good guideline and can pave the way for more in-depth questions. Avoid using questions the interviewee can simply answer with a yes or no. Instead, ask open-ended questions that will inspire the interviewee to provide detailed answers that include stories and emotions.

3. Gather visual material and personal belongings to aid in the interview. Bring photographs of the interviewee, medals, newspaper clippings, historic photographs, maps and other materials to help jog the person's memory.

4. Ask the interviewee for permission to record or tape the interview. Recording the interview can help you remember all the details the interviewee told you.

5. Have the interviewee sign a consent form, even if you know the individual well. The form should state that you have permission to record the interview and also explain the nature of your project. Include a section on the consent form that says the interviewee agreed to provide you with accurate information, along with a place for you and the person to sign and date the form. Give the interviewee a copy of the form.

6. Ask your questions confidently. Some questions are hard to ask, and if you don't ask them with self-assurance, the interviewee may think you are not confident enough to handle all the details of a story. This can elicit incomplete answers.

7. Set a time limit. A personal history interview should not last more than 90 minutes, "Family Tree Magazine" recommends. Otherwise, the interviewee can get tired or bored or may begin to ramble. If you have additional questions, schedule another interview.

Tips & Warnings

• Good interview questions include those about school life, a first job, the best (or worst) vacation, siblings, the greatest advancement in technology, personal philosophies and family life.

References

• Wisconsin Stories: How to Conduct Oral History Interviews
• Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society: Genealogy Definitions
• Family Tree Magazine: 13 Tips for Oral History Interviewing

Resources

• Family Tree Magazine: Oral History Interview Record