I have often lamented that I didn't develop an interest in family history until after my parents - and my husband's parents - had died.  I've had very few opportunities to interview relatives and ask all those questions that can't be answered by public records. I will soon have that chance.

Through the magic of e-mail I recently discovered the existence of a half-second-cousin, Marie Lorenzen, in Emmelsbull, Germany. Like me, she is a great-granddaughter of Mathias Hinrichsen/Henrichsen (but by his first wife). Marie is 94 years old. According to the e-mail message I rec'd (from Kirchenkreis Nordfriesland), "she is still very fit and very interested in family history."

My husband and I will visit northern Germany and Scandinavia in September. The schedule was set before I learned of Marie's existence, but we will definitely make time to meet her and talk with her. I anticipate she may not speak English fluently; the person who sent the e-mail promises we can visit Marie together. I need to be well-prepared for this interview. Time will be short. There will likely be only this one chance for me to gather as many facts as possible.

There are a variety of sources for learning interview techniques. Query "family history interviews" on the Internet and you'll get lots of tips. I think IGSI may even schedule a class on the topic this fall - but probably too late to help me for our trip in September. Here are some basic guidelines I'll be following:

1. Ask permission to record an audio or video tape of the interview. Explain that the recorder frees you from taking notes. (It's also a digital record for the relatives back home and generations to come.)
2. Bring family trees and photographs to get the conversation started.
3. Ask open-ended questions (those that can't be answered by simple "yes" or "no"). Some of my questions will be: What do you remember about your grandmother Paulina? Why did she choose to stay in Germany rather than go to America with the rest of the family? What did she tell you about her parents and brothers and sisters?
4. Smile. Show an active interest in what's being said and ask follow-up questions. Although you may have a prepared list of questions, be flexible and allow the conversation to flow.
5. Don't interrupt. Don't try to correct. Just let them tell their story.