5 Simple Tips for Gathering Stories for Genealogy

You are heard…that’s what we ultimately want to feel when we gather as groups to tell stories. Stories bring us together in ways that other methods can’t. Gathering stories is a way for all of us, young and old, to connect with one another. And besides, it’s just plain fun! The holidays are a natural time for people to gather. So take this opportunity to actually record these great family stories!

Gathering Family Stories Simple Tips

Be Prepared

Decide ahead of time what questions you will ask and how you will record their answers. It doesn’t matter what kind of recording device or app you use as long as you’re comfortable with it. Your phone works great! Keep it simple. It doesn’t have to be a formal sit down interview with a video recorder. It can be an informal gathering in the kitchen or the family room where everyone is talking. However, it does have to be thought out to be the most effective. You will be the one to steer the conversation, therefore you need to have a plan.

Be Patient When Gathering Stories

You do need to let your family have their space to tell it in their own way. I know you have family members, like I do, who get sidetracked when telling a story. I’ve found in my life that those moments are still gold because they inspire new questions that will lead to new stories. Again, allow the tangent for a little while and then gently lead the conversation back to finishing the original story. It might take all day, but hey, what else is more important to a genealogist?

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions are any question that is not answered by a yes or no. Such as, What Christmas traditions did you have as a child? or What was your favorite Christmas food and why? I like the idea of starting with broad questions and then narrowing them according to where the conversation is going. You can either find questions online that will get you inspired or you can go here to learn about more questions. Then make a list of the ones you like or come up with your own. You then need to think about your family gathering and judge how many questions you can actually ask and go from there.

Don’t Worry about Imperfections

Your goal for gathering these stories is about getting them recorded. Leave the professional look for another day. You will have time to edit later. Right now when you’re in the moment is when you just focus on gathering and listening. In addition, don’t worry about getting all of the stories. You won’t have time and you’ll be too stressed about getting them all that you’ll lose the fun of the moment. Remember to try different things with your recording and with your questions to see what works with your family. Be o.k. with the messy process. You still have something of a story in the end.

Have fun!

If you’re not having fun gathering stories, then don’t do it! Or if you find yourself getting stressed halfway through, then it’s time to take a break. Give yourself permission to stop when it becomes a job instead of a hobby. Your expectations will change once you actually start gathering stories. So don’t be surprised when you didn’t meet all of your expectations during the process.

So there you have it! Some simple ways to keep your head in the right frame of mind while doing something awesome for genealogy!

Good luck and happy hunting!

Tiffany

P.S. If you want additional help implementing what you read today or anything else going on in your genealogy life, then go to my website and contact me. You can also follow me on my Facebook Page, Instagram, and Pinterest all under the name “Savvy Genealogy.”