The Interview and Questionnaire - Part III

Many years ago, and wet behind the ears, I attempted an interview with a 90 year old totally deaf relative, a cousin several generations removed. She talked, I listened. I wrote, she read. My kissing cousin was very gracious, however, and provided me with a considerable amount of material which was loaded into my car, but the interview, itself, was stressful, and time-consuming. Little did I know at the time, but the papers and documents given to me were like the crown jewels!

My favorite hypothetical Aunt Sallie, on the other hand, is also 90 years of age. Still spry in mind and body, Miss Sallie attends monthly meetings of her local historical and genealogical societies. She is an active member in The Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Her seat on the Westover Library Board is without interruption, having covered a period of 52 years. Miss Sallie is known as a walking encyclopedia in matters of her family history, as well as the histories of dozens of local families.

Let's assume that Miss Sallie is your aunt, whomever you are. You have already determined to collect your family folklore, beginning with your journal. You have documented as many stories as you can remember that pertain to you personally. Now, it is time to branch out.

Why not pick up the phone and call Aunt Sallie? Explain to her just what it is that you are doing and what you hope to accomplish. Ask if you might make an appointment to talk with her about your family folklore and history. Hopefully, she will be responsive and grant you an interview.

No one should approach an interview unprepared. Do your homework. Make a list of questions you wish to ask. Have your own supply of pencils and ball-point pens. Obtain a tape recorder and be familiar with its operation. Prepare a questionnaire which will be left behind. Leaving a questionnaire is a good way to, hopefully, insure at least a second visit. If one makes it to a second visit, a good rapport is established which will be lasting. A good rapport will often lead to old trunks in an attic, and cedar chests filled with photographs, letters, and if you are lucky, family lore.

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