EVERYONE

Conducting Oral History Interviews

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You are sitting at the dinner table surrounded by family on Thanksgiving and you hear your grandmother say, "I remember when we brought this table from Georgia with us and here it remains today." 

 

Georgia? When did she live in Georgia? I thought the family's roots were here. 

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If something like this has happened to you, then you know the suspicions that arise.. What else haven't they told me? 

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There's not much that can be done if the moment has passed, but you can plan today to conduct oral history interviews with your family. It doesn't even have to always be planned. Have a cellphone that records? That's all you need to start. You don't necessarily need video, audio is enough. If your elders are similar to mine, they would prefer audio only. As time passes, you can ask if you can at least take a photo and who knows, if asked with a smile, they may eventually agree to being filmed.

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But where do you start after they agree to being interviewed? Some basic questions can include items they love to discuss, food they love to cook, places they love to go, and things they love to do.

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Why is the peacock broach your favorite?

Where did you get the recipe for your famous red velvet cake? 

What was it like living on a family farm?

Who taught you how to make quilts?

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Likewise, I am certain that there are things in your family that you would like to learn more about or their origins. Interviews are a great way to probe more deeply and often times you don't have to ask but one or two questions, but it's wise to have a list of questions at your disposal. Do resist the urge to fill quiet moments. The person may be considering their response. 

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Here are 13 tips to consider:

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1. Record it.

   1. Phone voice memo is fine; video is better. You think you'll remember. You won't — and their voice is part of the heirloom.

2. One session, one hour.

   1. Memory is a marathon, not a sprint. Several short visits beat one exhausting afternoon, and stories improve on the second telling.

3. Bring props.

   1. Old photos, the family Bible, a wedding ring, a printed family tree template with blanks. Objects unlock memories that questions can't reach.

4. Follow the story, not the list.

   1. These 54 questions are a menu, not a script. When they light up about the farm or the ship or the dance hall, follow them there.

5. Get the genealogy facts gently.

   1. Full names, maiden names, dates, and places matter for the family tree — but weave them in ("what was her maiden name?") rather than interrogating.

   2. When they mention "my aunt Tillie's grandson," note it and work out later exactly what he is to you with the relationship calculator.

6. Bring along a notebook and writing utensils, or have a notepad open on your phone, plus a download or printout of your interview questions, so you’re ready to ask questions and document responses quickly and accurately.

7. Download a recording app on your phone in case your family member is open to the interview being recorded.

   1. This will make it so much easier to remember everything. Don’t count on your memory later on.

8. Be sure to bring any old family photos or mementos that you want to learn more about.

   1. Your relative may be able to answer those questions and an old photo may help bring back valuable memories they’re willing to share with you.

9. Don’t be shy!

   1. It can be a bit scary to approach a grandparent or older relative and ask to interview them about their life.

   2. Don’t be discouraged, though, because most likely your relative will more than understand your desire to document the family’s history and be happy to oblige in some form.

   3. No matter how nervous you are, just do it – because you never know what the circumstances will be in six months or a year. Now may be your only chance.

10. Prepare a copy of your shared family tree, or some other way to share your genealogy research, to leave with your relative as a way of saying thank you.

11. Most importantly, respect your relative’s feelings and boundaries.

    1. If they don’t feel comfortable answering a certain question, or are not comfortable with the interview being recorded, make sure they know that you honor those guidelines and appreciate their help documenting the story of your family.

    2. Do not push someone if they seem uncomfortable in any way.

    3. There are some good tips for how to conduct an interview in a way that will make everyone comfortable here.

12. Actively listen.

    1. The more you listen the more you will learn.

13. Information in your family tree about living people should never be made public.

     

-From cousinchart.com (1-5)

-From familyhistorydaily.com (6-13)

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