All documents and files on these pages are ©
Copyright 1995, 1996
John H. Somsen Jr.
Problems or comments? Please contact John Somsen
1. First, identify and locate the most elderly member(s) of your family. Contact him/her/them and arrange to visit with him/her/them for a period of at least a day.
2. Gather the following:
B. A thick pad of paper, with sufficient backing to properly support writing thereon. Sufficient sharpened pencils (with erasers) and/or pens for writing.
C. A high-quality camera with several rolls of film--or a video recorder with a half-dozen, or so, tapes.
D. Any available family records (genealogies, Bibles, photo collections, etc.) relating to family members.
E. Perhaps a thoughtful gift for the family member(s) being visited.
F. A briefcase or suitcase which will conveniently hold all of the above items.
3. Prior to the meeting, commit to paper your introduction. For example: "I am sitting in the kitchen at Uncle Jan Somsen's house in Baldwin, Wisconsin. It is eight a.m. on Saturday, the first of November, 1999. The day is overcast, having rained all night. I am here with Uncle Jan and my wife, Paula, sitting around the kitchen table. I am here to gather and record family history as recalled by Uncle Jan."
4. Also, compose a list of questions which you intend to ask.
For example:
B. What do you remember about other family members?
C. Tell me about your school days....
D. Tell me about your courtship and marriage.
E. Please tell me all the birth dates of all family members whom you remember.
F. Do you have a family Bible--and/or a family Bible of an ancestor?
G. Do you have any old family records, such as records of baptisms, christenings, death certificates?
H. May we look at your photo album???
I. What are the historic/scientific firsts which you remember?
J. Tell me about the world calamities which you remember.
K. What are your fondest memories relating to my mother and father....and about me as a child?
L. What are your fondest memories relating to other family members?
5. Be sure to arrive on-time, and try to stick to your prepared questions.
6. As soon as possible use your personal computer to transcribe the interview--questions and answers. Rearrange all paragraphs in logical order. Print your file and send/take a copy to Uncle Jan. Ask her to make any corrections and additions necessary.
7. Correct the file as furnished. Make a final printout and send to Uncle Jan.
8. Send a copy to Derk & Theo Somsen with a copy to John Somsen so that we may share the results of your labor with the other Somsen's.