Family Memories and Stories
The starting point in any family history or genealogical research project is the recording of family memories and stories. As well as parents and grandparents, maiden aunts, particularly when they still live in the family home, are often a wonderful source of information, as are great aunts and uncles.
Be prepared to encounter suspicion as to your motives behind wanting to know about half forgotten relatives, ‘There’s no money you know!" is a common response. Do not be pushy with someone who doesn’t share your interest, however subtle coaxing or enquiry may pay dividends.
Take time when interviewing elderly relatives. Make notes as they talk and if possible tape-record the interviews for later transcription or reference. During interviews don’t ask for exact dates; few can be remembered correctly. Instead ask about the relationship to events, such as ‘Was that before or after the War?" when an event is mentioned or enquired about.
Old family photographs are great memory joggers. Take some along to the interview or ask your relative if they have any you can see. Family photograph albums containing ‘Box Brownie’ snaps of family weddings or trips to the seaside will invariably be produced from the back of the sideboard. Talk through the family members and the events shown in the photographs.
Someone may have the family bible, with its record of names, events and dates in the fore-leaves. Ask to see it and transcribe the entries. Ask your relative to tell you something of the individuals listed. Expect to find references to children who died as infants and might not otherwise be recalled.
Having prepared beforehand and taken the time to conduct an interview, don’t believe all you are told! Stories and memories can change and be embroidered. Relatives are often only known by pet or nick names, members of different families can be confused with each other, dates may be vague or erroneous and, with retelling over the years, family stories invariably become exaggerated or confused.
