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If your
grandparents/great-grandparents are still living they will most likely have
some lovely old photographs, correspondences and other sentimental items for
you to look at. Always keep a record of your sources
of information including that received from family members and friends of the
family.
Older relatives
Often like to tell stories of past experiences
so why not spend an afternoon with them visiting and reminiscing? You may be
surprised at how much first hand information they can contribute. Ask about
their childhood. Were they born here or in another country? What was their home
like? Did they live in one place or did they live in many places? Also ask
about their siblings, parents, grandparents and the like. Ask to look at old
photo albums and other sentimental items as this may stir up some fond
memories.
Listen
carefully as your relatives describe their lives, but make sure you record your
observations of what is said for future reference either by jotting it down on
paper or using a voice recorder. Because we all recall information in a
different manner, your grandmother’s account of an event may vary from your
grandfather’s even though both of them were there! As the saying goes, “there are two
sides to every story”.
Document it
accurately on pedigree and family group chart forms or jot it down in a
notebook to add to a formal chart later on. Again, these forms can be
downloaded free of charge from various genealogy web sites. Record
where you received each bit of information. Create individual categories
for each surname to keep your information organized. This way you avoid having
to wade through a confusion of paperwork when searching for a particular document,
photograph, correspondences etc.
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