Interviewing Relatives for Genealogical Research: A Step-by-Step Guide

Embarking on a journey into your family’s past can be an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor. One of the richest sources for unlocking your ancestry lies within the stories and memories of your own relatives. However, gathering this precious information can be daunting if you’re not sure where to start or how to go about it. Here we help you navigate the intricacies of conducting effective and respectful interviews. From preparing your questions to preserving the insights you gather, this guide provides you with all the tools you need to transform family stories into historical treasures.

Introduction to Genealogical Oral Histories

Beginning a genealogical journey through family interviews can unlock stories and secrets that written records alone cannot tell. Gathering oral histories from relatives not only enriches your understanding of your heritage but also preserves unique personal narratives for future generations.

Importance of Gathering Oral Histories

Oral histories are invaluable in the field of genealogy. They provide personal context to the names and dates in your family tree, bringing to life the experiences, emotions, and personalities of your ancestors. These stories can fill gaps in written records, offer explanations for family migrations, relationships, and decisions, and connect you more deeply to your roots. Oral histories help to capture the dialects, expressions, and anecdotes that are often lost over time.

Benefits of Interviewing Relatives for Genealogical Research

Interviewing relatives can transform genealogical research from a solitary task into a family-wide engagement, strengthening bonds as stories and memories are shared. This process not only helps in verifying facts and dates but also uncovers previously unknown or undocumented family stories and connections.

These interviews can identify potential heirs and custodians of family legacies, ensuring the preservation and continuation of family histories. Engaging with older relatives also offers them a chance to reflect on their lives and to feel valued, knowing that their memories will contribute to the family’s legacy.

Preparation for the Genealogical Oral History Interview

Proper preparation is crucial to conducting successful and fruitful genealogical interviews. This phase involves not just deciding whom to interview and what to ask, but also setting up the logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Setting Clear Objectives

Before you begin, it’s important to define what you hope to achieve with the interview. This will guide the direction of your questions and help keep the conversation focused.

Identifying What Information You Need

Consider what gaps exist in your family history. Are there specific events, dates, or relationships that need clarification? Knowing what information you need will help you tailor your questions to elicit the most relevant responses.

Determining Which Relatives to Interview

Think about which relatives might hold the key to the information you need. Older family members can provide firsthand accounts of past generations, while younger relatives may offer insights into more recent family history and connections [1].

Researching Background Information

Entering an interview with a solid background knowledge of your family history can help you ask more informed questions and understand the context of the answers you receive.

Reviewing Existing Family Records

Before the interview, review all existing documents—birth certificates, marriage licenses, old photographs, and any previous family history research. This will help you avoid asking for information you already have, and it allows you to identify areas where details may be missing or unclear.

Preparing a Timeline of Known Facts

Creating a timeline of events in your family’s history can be a useful reference during the interview. It helps both you and your interviewee visualize the chronological order of events and how they might relate to each other.

Developing a List of Questions

Having a prepared list of questions will help you navigate the interview efficiently and ensure you cover all necessary topics.

Open-Ended vs. Closed Questions

Mix open-ended questions (which prompt detailed responses and storytelling) with closed questions (which can confirm specific details). For example, “What can you tell me about your grandparents?” versus “Was your grandmother born in 1903?”

Examples of Effective Questions

Draft questions that encourage storytelling, such as, “What are your earliest memories of your father?” or “How did you meet your spouse?” Also include questions about specific people, places, and events to gather detailed historical data [2].

Logistics of the Interview

The practical details of how and when the interview will take place can significantly influence its success.

Choosing a Time and Place

Schedule the interview at a time and place where your relative feels most comfortable. A familiar and quiet environment is ideal, as it can help the interviewee relax and open up more easily.

Considerations for Remote Interviews

If an in-person interview isn’t possible, plan for a remote interview using video calls or telephone. Ensure that both you and the interviewee have the necessary technology set up in advance, and consider recording the conversation with their permission.

Conducting the Genealogical Oral History Interview

The actual interview process is the heart of your genealogical research, where you gather the oral histories that fill the gaps in your family tree. This stage requires careful handling of both the interpersonal dynamics and the technical aspects of recording conversations.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

A relaxed atmosphere can greatly enhance the flow of information during an interview. Your goal is to make the interviewee feel comfortable and respected, which encourages openness and detailed storytelling.

Building Rapport with the Interviewee

Start the interview with light conversation to help put your relative at ease. Discuss familiar and non-intrusive topics before getting into more detailed or personal questions. This approach builds trust and rapport, which can make the interviewee more willing to share in-depth information [3].

Maintaining a Respectful and Patient Attitude

Throughout the interview, it’s important to be patient and show respect for the interviewee’s experiences and memories. Listen actively without rushing them, and acknowledge the emotional weight some memories may carry. This respectfulness not only honors their experiences but also helps in collecting sincere and thorough accounts.

Interview Techniques

Effective interview techniques can significantly influence the quality and quantity of information you gather. Using these skills ensures that you make the most of the interview opportunity.

Active Listening Skills

Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively hearing the speaker’s words. Show that you are listening by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and occasionally summarizing what the interviewee has said to confirm your understanding.

Handling Sensitive Topics

When discussing sensitive subjects or family secrets, tread lightly and let the interviewee take the lead. If they seem uncomfortable, it’s important to respect their boundaries and move on to other topics if necessary. Always approach these areas with empathy and without judgment.

Recording the Interview

Recording the interview is essential for accurate documentation and later analysis. Choose the best method based on what makes the interviewee comfortable and the resources available to you.

Audio vs. Video Recording: Pros and Cons

Decide whether to use audio or video recording. Audio recordings tend to be less intrusive and may make the interviewee more comfortable, but video can capture non-verbal cues and expressions that add depth to the verbal narrative. Weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and the preferences of your relative.

Gaining Consent for Recording

It is crucial to obtain explicit consent to record the interview, explaining how the recordings will be used. Ensure that the interviewee understands and agrees to being recorded, and respect their privacy and rights by using the recordings solely for the intended genealogical purposes.

Genealogical Oral History Post-Interview Process

After completing the interview, the focus shifts to managing the information you’ve collected. This stage involves organizing and analyzing the data, which is crucial for integrating the new knowledge into your existing genealogical research. The post-interview process also includes sharing these findings with other family members, which can help verify details and stimulate additional family interest in genealogical research.

Organizing and Storing Information

Once the interview is concluded, it’s important to organize the data in a way that makes it easily accessible for future reference and analysis.

Transcribing Recordings

Transcribe the audio or video recordings as soon as possible while the details are still fresh in your mind. Transcription converts the spoken words into written text, which can be easier to analyze and reference. Use software to aid in transcription if available, or consider hiring a professional transcription service for accuracy [4].

Cataloging Physical and Digital Files

Organize all interview materials, including notes, recordings, and transcriptions, in a systematic way. Label digital files with clear, descriptive names including the date, names of the interviewee, and topics covered. Store physical documents in archival-quality folders to preserve them. Ensure backups of digital files to prevent data loss.

Analyzing the Information

The next step is to analyze the information collected during the interview to see how it fits into your existing family history and to identify any new avenues of research that may have emerged.

Comparing Stories and Facts

Evaluate the stories and information provided by the interviewee against your existing records. Look for consistencies and discrepancies that can confirm facts or indicate areas that require further investigation. This comparative analysis can also help prioritize which leads to follow next in your research.

Identifying New Leads and Inconsistencies

Use the information gathered to identify potential new leads, such as previously unknown relatives, places, or events mentioned in the interview. Note any inconsistencies that may need clarification, which could be addressed in follow-up interviews or through additional research.

Sharing Results with Family Members

Sharing your findings with family members not only validates the information but also encourages a collaborative approach to family history research.

Creating a Family Newsletter or Website

Consider creating a family newsletter or a private website where you can share updates, stories, and findings from your interviews. This platform can serve as a central hub for engaging family members, sharing digital copies of transcripts, recordings, and photos, and encouraging others to contribute their stories and artifacts.

Planning Family Reunions to Discuss Findings

Organize a family reunion or a virtual meeting to discuss your findings. This gathering can be an excellent opportunity to verify details, gather more stories, and deepen family connections. It also allows family members who may not be directly involved in the research to learn about their heritage and contribute their own pieces of the family puzzle.

References

[1] Family History Resources
[2] What’s Your Story? Conducting Interviews for Genealogical Research
[3] Oral Histories
[4] Genealogy: Finding Your Ancestors Online