Knowing where you come from can help get you where you're going. Your family history contains information regarding your relatives, health issues and significant events. You can choose to record your family history in one of many ways including a family tree, scrapbook, video recording or audio recording. Learn to create a successful record of your family's history for generations to come.
To perform the steps outlined correctly you will need:
- Recording device (tape recorder, video recorder, cellular telephone)
- Photographs
- Scrapbook
Step 1:
Conduct interviews with all family members and record them. You can use a tape recorder, video recorder, cellular phone or any other recording device. State the name of the individual and the date and time of the interview at the beginning of all interviews for classification purposes. Everyone has a story, and to properly record your family history you must hear personal accounts from various people. Record each conversation for easy review of material.
Step 2:
Acquire family photographs and albums. Ask around for any pictures of your family. You can also peruse the local library for pictures of family members in past issues of newspapers and magazines.
Step 3:
Enroll in a scrapbooking class at a local community center. Whether or not you plan on the scrapbook method of recording your family history, you can learn creative tips and tricks to transfer to your project.
Step 4:
Backup all information you receive including the final project. Make sure you make at least one copy of everything from interviews to photos. Things can be misplaced and accidents happen so avoid future problems by backing up all your work. If possible keep the original, a digital copy and a tangible copy of everything.
You can search for long lost family members you wish to include in the history using social networking. The new wave of social networking websites leaves users with little anonymity. Use this to your advantage by searching websites like Myspace and Facebook for individuals sharing your last name. You can connect directly with family members or with individuals that can help in your search.
You should get written permission from anyone who gives you a picture to avoid possible problems.
References:
- Kitsap Sun: Tips for Recording an Oral History
- Vista Online: Digital Photography - Smart Tips For Recording And Preserving Family History For Generations To Come
- Family History Products: Tips for Oral History Interview
- Ancestry.com: Ten Steps to Recording Your Personal History
Crystal Lee - Crystal Lee was first published in 2008 in "The Student Magazine". She currently is beginning her freelance writing career after achieving ...
Join the Conversation