How to Organize Family History

From scrapbooking to videography, so many families around the world are trying to document their life history before they depart from this world. But what happens when one becomes frustrated with it all, not enough time and/or money, how do you begin again?

Online experts have provided many solutions to this problem, two websites can be found at the end of this article. When the goal is to create a book or video about one's past and/or family, first begin collecting information about the subject(s). Start by letting everyone know about the task you are undertaking, so that they may be able to assist you.

Ask them when they would be available for an interview. Most likely, some will be a bit defensive because they may not be happy with their lives, while others will want to talk you to death. Here is just a sample of some questions to put the closed mouth at ease and control the motor mouth when asking about them and their grandparents:

1. What is your full birth name and nickname (if any)? (If they had a nickname, ask why they were given that name.)
   
2. Where did you live as a child? (If it were numerous places, just list city and state and what they liked most and least about each area.)
   
3. Who were your grandparents (include their full names and don't forget the mother's maiden name.)
   
4. Where did your grandparents live? (On both mother's and father's side.)
   
5. What kind of relationship did you have with both?
   
6. What do you remember most about them?
   
7. Describe what they looked like to you.
   
8. What kind of people were they?
   
9. What kind of relationship did your mother and father have with them?
   
10. Did you enjoy visiting them?
    

Then you will want to ask questions about the interviewee's relationship with their biological or stepparent. There are so many more questions to ask, but this will get you started.

The next task you should consider is following-up with other relatives mentioned via phone conversation, hosting a party or visit with them. Find out as much as you can and take a look at family photo albums, newspaper clippings, awards, etc. to add to your notes.