Family+History

Goal: an interview of a family member discussing his or her experiences as related to one of the events on the wiki. Steps 1. Talk to members of your family. Show them the list of events. Investigate who has memories or experiences surrounding an event.

2. Develop a set of 10-20 questions to help you during the interview.
 * You want to ask questions that will encourage them to talk about their experiences.
 * Avoid questions that can be answered with “Yes” or “No.”
 * Start with the easiest questions: What is your name? Where were you living at the time? Who were you living with?
 * Save the hardest questions for the end.

3. Establish a time and place for the interview.

4. Conduct the interview. Take notes or ask permission to record it.

5. Be prepared to leave behind the questions that you prepared and follow the topics that are being discussed.

6. If you need clarification on a topic, ask the person to repeat their answer.

7. If there are photographs, scan them and include them with your writing.

8. Write up the family story. You may write it as an interview or you may write it as a narrative.