This can be done one on one or in a group situation. A friend of mine took advantage of her annual family reunion and with video recorder in hand, went around to everyone asking questions she had decided on ahead of time and a few more that came up from information she gathered that day. Manning the video camera is a perfect job for a teenager, as many elderly people love the idea that they can share this history with a new generation of their making, and it will also allow you to focus more on the questions themselves. How to Document Documentation can be done in several ways. A notebook for questions you have thought out beforehand is necessary.
Video cameras are a perfect and exact way to document.
If you go this route, each subject should give their own name and relationship to the family before starting in with the actual questions. Be warned, even in today s modern world, there are people that are extremely camera shy. If this is the case, put away the camera for those individuals and use a notebook or my second choice a cassette recorder. For a one on one interview, where you can keep the flow of questions somewhat in order, cassette recorders will also let you gather every bit of information without worrying that you missed some important piece of info in your note taking. When using this tactic, also have each person identify him or herself before starting with the questions.