Recipe #2 -- TRACING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY -- STEP ONE HOME SOURCES In beginning genealogical research, you always begin with yourself and work back one generation at a time. Therefore, the first step will be to do a thorough job of searching your "home sources." These are the things that can be found right in your home or the homes of your parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. If you do a good job on this step, the next steps will be much easier! The idea here is to contact every single living relative you can find to see what they already know and what documents they already have. (Sample letters will follow.) A CHECKLIST OF HOME SOURCES PERSONAL RECORDS Journals/diaries Letters Photo albums Personal experiences Baby books Wedding books Scrap books Funeral books Guest books School records LEGAL PAPERS Wills Probate records Other court records Deeds Other land records Contracts Bonds CITIZENSHIP RECORDS Naturalization papers Passports Visas NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS Announcements Obituaries Special Events Vital statistics Professional/trade CERTIFICATES Birth Marriage Death Divorce Adoption Baptism Confirmation Graduation Achievement MILITARY RECORDS Service Pension Discharge Selective Service National Guard Citations Ribbons FAMILY RECORDS Bible Genealogies Family Traditions EMPLOYMENT RECORDS Apprenticeship Social Security Pension Union Awards ANNOUNCEMENTS Wedding Birth Funeral Graduation Anniversary Birthday Engagement MISCELLANEOUS Memberships Financial records Health records Licenses Coats of Arms Besides all of the above Home Sources, an important means of getting information is the personal interview. The best way to do this is by a personal visit (and a tape recorder if the interviewee doesn't mind). Before you go, let the person know the reason for your visit so they will be prepared to answer your questions. And be sure you have a plan, a list of questions to ask. You direct the conversation so you will get the information you really want. If an "in person" interview is not possible, you can use the telephone or write a letter. Again, have your questions ready so that you will get the information you want. If you want to ask questions over the phone, a note to find out when it will be convenient to call, and the reason for the call, is always a good idea. SUGGESTED PERSONAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS What do you know about your ancestors? Did any family members serve in the military? Which war? What church did your family attend? Do you know any family members who have done genealogical research? Do you know of any special family celebrations or gatherings? What family traditions do you know of? When and where were your parents born? How did they meet? When and where were they married? What were their occupations? What kind of education did they have? If college, which one? When and where did your parents die? Where are they buried? Who were their brothers and sisters? Ask the same questions about their grandparents. When and where were you born? Who are your brothers and sisters? Birth dates? Etc. What places have you lived? What was your childhood like? Are there any special events or memories you would like to share? Go to the oldest members of your family first -- otherwise they may be gone before you get to it. If you write letters, you can ask your questions with spaces for answers and request that they simply fill out the answers and return the letter to you. But be reasonable -- don't ask for too much at once. A series of short letters is better than one long one. Example: Date Your name Your address Address of relative Dear Aunt Mabel, I am gathering information on our Cook family line and I was wondering if you could tell me about your parents: When and where were they born? When and where were they married? When and where did they die? Where are they buried? Do you have any certificates or Bible records of these events? If so, may I have photocopies? I will be glad to reimburse you for the copying cost. To make it easy, you can simply answer my questions on this letter and return it to me in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope. If you have any additional information about your family that you would like to share, you can use the back side of this letter. Thanks for your help! Sincerely, OR Dear Grandma, I am planning to write a history of our Russell family. I was wondering if you could tell me who has the family Bible? Mother remembers seeing it when she was a child, but doesn't know where it is now. I hope you do! Love, OR Dear Distant Relative, We share a common ancestor, Oliver Hartwell Cook. I am writing a history of the Cook family and I would like to include your branch. I would appreciate it if you would fill out the enclosed ancestor chart and family group sheet to the best of your ability. I am enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope for you to return them in. I will be happy to share the family history with you when it is complete. Sincerely, Except with a very close relative, you should always enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and offer to pay the cost if you are asking them to copy something. It is a good idea to keep copies of all your correspondence. HAPPY HUNTING! Sue