Make Your Family Tree Come Alive

[Lionel Edward]

Back about 1970 there was a popular song by Bobby Sherman on the radio
that included the lyric, "I gotta be more than just to lines in the
Oklahoma City Times." While the tune is catchy and the words poke fun
of the obituary section of a great newspaper, it carries a serious
message to those us interested in genealogy.
Anyone who studies family history knows how difficult it is to
visualize the lives of our parents when they were young, our
grandparents before they moved west in a covered wagon, or great
grandparents that we never knew. Beyond two generations we can usually
only pick up hints of what their lives were like through birth
certificates, marriage licenses, obituaries, and other tracks that
they left while alive.
These are wonderful bits of information that fill in dates, locations,
and some of the cold facts of their lives but tell very little about
what made them human. What were they passionate about? Were they
funny? What makes them special? Did they love small children and dogs?
Did they make a difference in other people's lives?
The answer to these and other questions is usually within our grasp.
Here are some good places to start. While you may not remember your
grandparents, older members of your family might remember and their
memories are yours for the asking. If you don't have anyone older in
your immediate family, expand your thinking to include cousins, aunts
and uncles, second cousins until you find someone at least a few years
older than you. Arrange to meet with them in person or by telephone to
talk about your family.
It helps to prepare for the discussion with a few props and discussion
ideas. There are some good discussion guides online that will help you
get started with the most basic information like names, dates,
locations, and relationships. You should also ask more open-ended
questions like, "What do you remember about when she was young? What
was her personality like? Is their a particular event or occasion that
stands out in your mind that demonstrates her personality? What are
the things that she loved to do? What do you remember about daily life
at house? What do you remember about going there? Were there any
things that she did as a tradition during the holidays or at special
times of the year? It also helps to take along any photos or documents
that you have to help guide the conversation and stimulate the
memories. Who is this person in the picture? What do you remember
about them?
Include your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in the
conversation. Older people love to tell stories to children. My wife
once gave an assignment to her fourth-grade class to interview people
at the retirement home about their lives. They came up with some
amazing stories that were written down and presented to the person's
relatives as a keepsake.
You should also check for any media items that might help you
understand. Do you have any photographs, movies, or recordings of
that might help me get to know her better? Is it okay if I copy
these?
Most people have a few events that stand out in their minds and you
should let the conversation go where they want it to go. Record the
conversation and take notes just in case the recorder doesn't work.
Take some pictures yourself just to document the occasion.
Finally, get a good software program that tracks not only cold facts
but allows you to organize and show off your media - recordings,
photos, movies. Share your information with family members and the
world by posting it on a web site where relatives will find you and
give you even more information.
Your family can be more than just two lines in the Oklahoma City
Times. Through your effort their lives can continue to make a positive
difference in the world.