Capture your family history...

First, decide to make the time.  We tend to put things off that do not need to be addressed today. Soon we find that time has gotten away from us. Cherished family members pass away as we busy ourselves with new family members, work, school, etc.  So the first step to capturing your family history is to decide to make it a priority.  A few suggestions:

• Schedule time to interview the eldest member of the family.
• Grab your video camera. That might be your smart phone or a different setting on your regular camera. Learn to use what you have or consider purchasing a digital video camera. (see our links page) Make sure it's charged.
• Choose a place that is quiet - no background noise. Get a sitter for little ones.
• Start by going over the family tree as they know it. Get as many full names,  dates and places of birth, marriage, death, military service with branch.  Gather as much info as possible your first trip. Here's a packet to get you started.
• Schedule a second interview time for stories, memories, follow up questions and pictures, memorabilia or video that they may have of family members.
• Consider an online family search subscription. (Check out our links page.) Do as much research as possible and write down any questions.  As you search records you'll find names are usually not enough so take notes and plan to ask about siblings, places, dates, etc.

Once you've captured your family history send it to Treasured Archives to be archived for future generations!

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