We’ve been studying family history over the past few weeks. (This is a topic Ariel really enjoys. Actually, Ariel really likes history in general.) Beyond the Family Tree
, by Jennifer Worick, is an interesting resource because it brings the art of family interviews into the 21st century. Where books used to talk about paper and pencil and audiocassette recorders (which are, of course, still usable and beneficial), this one talks about camcorders, laptops, and social media.
The first section is all about preparation. The author lists some tools (such as the aforementioned camcorders and laptops) that you might have available, and spells out how they’re useful and what any potential drawbacks might be. Then she talks about setting up for your interview. There are tips here for lighting, good composition, and other aspects of interviewing you might not have considered.
The second chapter addresses the interview itself. It doesn’t tell you what questions to ask; rather, this chapter is more about the art of interviewing. There are tips for how to listen, proceeding slowly and with sensitivity, and ideas for making use of answers to early questions to offer follow-up questions.
Chapter three comprises the bulk of the book. Here, specific questions are offered. They are divided into categories: relationships, youth, education/career, pop culture/arts, food/drink, holidays/occasions, health/body, faith, home/travel, politics/country, leisure, hopes/dreams, and family history. Obviously, these are useful for formally interviewing family members. You can also use them one or two at a time when gathering with extended family for various occasions, or even at the family dinner table! And don’t forget to answer them yourself, to leave your own history for your children and grandchildren.
Chapter four describes various social media and suggests ways to use them to keep a living history. That is, to record your own, ongoing history, and continually engage with family to keep the discussion going. (I think this would be a fabulous way to safely introduce older children to social media.)
The appendix provides some fill-in-the-blanks pages – things like an interview record, a space for the reader’s own family tree, interview notes, and a research plan.
This is a fun, very colorful book and a very useful tool.
Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to facilitate my review. As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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