Plan First!

Before you begin interviewing members of your family, you need to sit down and make a few plans! Here are some things you need to consider: 1) If you´re looking strictly for family history information - names, dates, places, etc. - start with your oldest relatives first. As we all know, but hate to think about, these loved ones won´t always be around to share their knowledge with us. 2) Set an objective for your interview. Decide exactly what information you want to gain from the interview. Are you looking for names? Information about a certain event? Family stories? 3) Make a list of those people who will be most likely to fulfill your research objective, and contact them to see if they are open to talking with you. 4) Ask your interview subject to collect old documents or photos that will help trigger their memories and provide good fodder for interview questions.