Why, how and when did families migrate from the south to New York City, New Jersey or Baltimore?
What contributions did relatives make to 20th-century Atlanta Georgia?
What contributions did we make to the industry we worked in?
Where do our distinctive features and surname originate?
Genealogy research can be fun, exciting and addictive. Now one only has to sit at a computer with keyboard at hand and a wealth of information is just a few keystrokes away. While online genealogy research reveals much about the family tree and the history behind the branches, to fill in the blanks you need to resort to age-old methods that will never become obsolete. Consulting the elders.
Older family members have a way of breathing life, character and reason into your genealogy work transforming your research from a dead collection of facts and data into lively family chronicles or even a novel or sorts. Tapping into the information that may only exist in the deep recesses of the minds archives can be enriching and intriguing to say the least. But accessing this aging organic treasure trove can be a challenge.
How can you tap in to this goldmine and keep the treasure chest open long enough to extract vital information needed for your research without exhausting the eldest family member in the process? The key is to open the mind with inspiration, carefully selected questions, consideration and expressions of genuine appreciation.
Providing Inspiration
Family reunions are the key to tapping into this Goldmine, or should we say Gold-of-mind. As the elders sees family not see for years he/she will likely explode with joy when memories long forgotten flood the mind.
Allow the elder to examine old photos of family members and scenes of his day. Interview the next oldest elder in the company of the eldest. The two will help each other down the path they call memory lane. Have the elder's son or daughter present if only to ask questions leading to more information. Once the elder starts talking you won't be able to get him/her to stop. But who wants to stop, right? That said; plan to attend the next family reunion with a view to interviewing the elders.
Choosing Well Selected Questions
Take note of everything said. When information is slow coming ask questions about what was already said. Why, how and when did families migrate from the south to New York City, New Jersey or Baltimore? What contributions did relatives make to 20th-century Atlanta Georgia? What contributions did we make to the industry we worked in? Where do our distinctive features and surname originate?
When old newspapers, journals and magazines no longer in circulation are mentioned take note. These can be located at local libraries to verify information given. When they draw a map of migration routes and talk about the characteristic sites along the way don't miss a detail. Compare routes to those in history books or online.
Motivation To Go On
When asking questions stay on the subject. Straying too far from where the elder wishes to go can be a mental strain and stressful. Allow them to develop their story as they see fit during most of the Interview. If you sense you have exhausted the subject move on. It is not just enough to ask about what was seen and experienced but what it meant to them or what lessons they learned. It is advisable both to write and get the interview on video camera.
Show Consideration - Provide Refreshment
Stop for breaks if the elder seems fatigued and needs water and refreshment. 30-minute intervals of information every few hours may be all that's the elder can give. Make the most of it. Ask the elder for another session later in the day or on another day if the reunion is a long weekend event.
Appreciation Goes A Long Way
Take the time to express appreciation for the time and effort each elder put out to add to the family chronicles. Write a personal letter of appreciation, present an award or certificate signed by the family and reunion chairperson. Present oil painted portrait of the eldest elder as a family heirloom. Above all share your personal gratitude and love in small but meaningful ways for all we have is time.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Genealogy-Goldmine---Family-Reunions&id=711890
No comments:
Post a Comment