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== '''Family Memorabilia''' == | == '''Family Memorabilia''' == | ||
Many families have kept objects that may provide important clues for further research on an ancestor. You may want to write a brief description explaining (1) what each item reveals about the family and (2) where the item is located. Look for—<br> | |||
* Religious artifacts<br> | |||
* Samplers, tapestries and quilts<br> | |||
* Heirlooms<br> | |||
* Pieces of furniture or household items<br> | |||
* Medals, awards, trophies<br> | |||
* Souvenirs<br> | |||
* Clothing, uniforms<br> | |||
== '''How to Gather Family Information''' == | |||
Keep a record of contacts with family members on your research log. This will help you avoid duplicating your work and can help in following up later. Write out notes about interviews, meetings, and reunions. Make paper copies of e-mails and keep copies of letters sent or received. Cite these notes, printouts, and copies on your research log. | |||
'''''Interviews''''' can be face to face or by telephone. Handbooks such as the following can help you prepare for an interview:<br> | |||
Akeret, Robert U. ''Family Tales, Family Wisdom.'' New York: Henry Holt, 1992. (not at FHL) | |||
Fletcher, William. ''Recording Your Family History.'' New York: Dodd, Mead, 1986. (FHL book 973 D27fL) | |||
'''''E-mail and Correspondence.''''' When writing family members, follow a few basic rules:<br> | |||
* Don't send form letters. | |||
* Don't send unfamiliar blank genealogical forms, especially with the first letter. | |||
* Be reasonable. Don't ask for too much at once. | |||
* Ask simple, straightforward questions. | |||
* Be generous in sharing and prompt in answering. | |||
* Show appreciation. | |||
For more suggestions see [[Obtain and Search the Records#Correspondenc|Correspondence]]. | |||
Many introductory books about family history will give you more information about gathering family sources, including oral history and additional home sources. One of the best books for this kind of information is— | |||
Lichtman, Allan J. ''Your Family History: How to Use Oral History, Personal Family Archives, and Public Documents to Discover Your Heritage.'' New York: Vintage Books, 1978. (FHL book 929.1 L617L) | |||
== '''Requesting Additional Information from Your Family''' == | |||
As you learn about your family, you may want to share the information you find with you relatives (see [[Use the Information#Share the Information|Step 5]].) This may also be a good opportunity to request additional information from them. If your first requests were only for basic information about a few relatives, more information may be available. Your new information may jog memories of family members who may provide more clues. Also they may have recently found the information you were seeking. | |||
Family members who were reluctant to share information earlier may have changed their minds, or may be intrigued by the information you have found. Your information may convince them of your seriousness and they may pay more attention to your requests. | |||
= '''Gather Low-Hanging-Fruit Sources''' = | |||
= '''Record Useful Information''' = | |||
= '''Organize Your Records''' = | |||
[[Decide What You Want to Learn|''Next page'']] | [[Decide What You Want to Learn|''Next page'']] | ||
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