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When hiring a family history expert it’s a good idea to get references from people who know the persons work or pick someone who has well know family history qualifications like the IHGS or membership of the history society. If you are paying for your family history its worth setting out to the person you are hiring what you are trying to achieve. Do you want to search back through your family line, look laterally for living family members, flesh out the history of a specific family member or explore a particular side of your family history first.
Census records are critical to your search for extended family history material For your most recent ancestors choose the most recent census you can find and work backwards. In many countries Census’ have been recorded back as far as the 1750’s. Before that time you can use Tax records and other local lists, like parish records. The nature of the records available depends on the country, province, state or subdivision where you are carrying out your family history search. Knowing something about the historical context you are working within, will help you fill in the gaps and find family members. Some libraries and family history societies have census records on microfiche at their family history centers. Or if you prefer to do this in the comfort of your home you have many of the tools and records you will need to carry out a successful family history search.
When interviewing family members, some advance preparation will help you obtain useful and interesting information. While an interview is just a planned conversation, some of the following hints may be useful in ensuring a successful, informative and pleasant discussion. • Prepare questions in advance. Organizing your thoughts is the best way to start, and answers will lead to more questions. Pursue specific answers if information is not clear. • If your relative speaks a different language, find someone to assist with translation or interpretation in advance. Make sure to introduce your interpreter at the start of the interview. • Do not rely on your memory. Familiarize yourself with the use of a videocam or tape recorder; bring extra batteries. If your relative is uncomfortable with a recorder, take careful and extensive notes. Transcribe right after the interview so you don't lose details you might have neglected to write down. • Start with more recent questions and work your way back in time. This will make it easier for the interviewee to recall information and help give them more confidence. • Photographs will often spark memories. Ask to see your relative's photo collection, or bring yours to show. Ask for identifications of the faces in the photos, establish their relationships. Have enlarged photocopies of your photos to record information directly on the image. • Ask about family traditions. Remember not to interrupt the interviewee. Let him or her tell the story. • Keep sessions to a reasonable length, 45 minutes is plenty. Have tea or water available. • Keep your interviewee relaxed and comfortable. It may sometimes be frustrating or difficult for them to remember, so ask if the interviewee needs a break at regular intervals. • Pursue this direct initial research as far back as possible.
Family History research can sometimes involve personal questions that go past the average data about ancestors like births, deaths and marriages. You might have a list of questions that extend to subjects like immigration, occupation, religious beliefs, adoptions, estrangements, military service, habits, skills, education or family Stories about this person. These questions should always be considered because they not only expose new aspects of family history, but also add richness to your overall family history. Genealogy is after all more than births, deaths and marriages.
