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Lesson 003...                                                                                                     2015 12 01
The Search For Life                                                                                    Published Monthly

The search for life is not as difficult as you might think.
You are the main starting point in this venture-What can be simpler than that!?

As basic as it may sound, starting with yourself can give you an almost expertise approach.
Since you already know much of what there is to know about yourself, it makes sense to start there!
Use that information to learn on, so you can quickly develop a style and format all of your own!

For instance...
You already have the basic/standard info: birth date and place, schools, baptism, marriage, etc.
Most importantly, you probably have access to several types of certificates relating to yourself.
Knowing where to look and who to ask is as important as knowing how to scan and import the image.

Honing these skills may take a little time, but will be far less exhausting when starting with yourself.
For some direction, see the Demo's page for things on the software that are usually asked.
You can also add as many images, files, and written text as you want.
When you're happy with the the progress of that, it's time to advance just a little.


Where To Go...
Next may be your children, parents, siblings or spouse.
Pick the one closest to yourself to start, then move outward.
Not only will this be more comfortable when asking questions, it's also directly related to the software.
Each person "connects" to another in both real life, as well as within the software or cyberspace.
Though it's not always possible, try to move through your tree in a simple/direct connecting fashion.
Try to choose the closest bloodline members for interviewing first, as it may help practice your skills.

Ideally, the closest people on your tree will still be alive and living closest to you.
This can help cut the time and costs of traveling back for forgotten info, or for updating.
If necessary, phonecalls, emails or handwritten letters are perfectly acceptable methods also.
Remember, DIRECT communication is always better than 3rd person hearsay.
Citing sources is how we verify correctly.

As you gain expierience in data collection, you'll also learn you have more family than you thought.
The circle you once knew, is also surrounded by other circles that you now have a chance to join.
A family tree project is a wonderful segue into kindling a distant relationship before it's lost.
More than likely others will be interested in being a part of your family tree project too!
It doesn't hurt to ask!

In the previous lesson, an "office bag kit" was created. Be sure to bring it when interviewing people.
Be sure to make notations in the software of how, when and where the interview was conducted.
That person, and even yourself will one day no longer be available for any others to interview.
Recording all these things can lend credibility to your data when the years have passed.

Though not as exciting as a 300 year old discovery, they are valuable ornaments on your tree.
And they are accessible NOW.



What To Ask...
Above all else...Do No Harm!
Try to put yourself in their shoes for a moment before you enter THEIR HOME.
Everyone has certain things they'd like to forget.
Though you may feel like it's your job to get to the dirt, It's not.
Let sleeping dogs lay. If they want to tell you something, they will, don't pry.

Start with the basics of where they were born, baptised, schooled, married, divorced, etc.
Ask if they have any special trainings for jobs, military, or private intrests.
They may have had especially close friends or pets, maybe even a place or religious belief.

Take some time and spend the day hearing their stories.
Learn where they worked, who their friends were and even how they traveled to work.
The basic questions for any topic are:
Who...
What...
When...
Where...
Why...

Ask these questions in the form of a "follow-up" question.
It can help turn it into more of a discussion rather than an interogation.
Plus it helps promote kinship-Remember, this is your family, no matter how distant!

You are about to create a biography of this persons life, and then condense it into a short story.
Treat each person as if they were the family vanguard, full of heroism and major accomplishments.
Within each family there are important figures that persevered, doing the job that needs to be done.
These are also the heros deserving of your time and recognition. Tell their story well.

Photocopies of certificates and diplomas are always nice, but be understanding if they won't allow it.
In todays world of internet and identity theft, you must respect their privacy.
The same holds true for their picture images.


The Point...
This lesson is titled "The Search For Life".
It focuses on the living, and the reason for this is simple.
Direct communication with them will someday end. It doesn't last forever.

Deceased family members information should also be addressed simultaneously and during non-visits.
Ancestoral records and data collection is critically important in its own right for other reasons.
It should not be delayed any more than is absolutely necessary.
Future genealogy lessons will cover those areas as we progress.


As always...
These are only basic reminders, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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