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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: SmallTownGirl on Thursday 07 May 15 18:38 BST (UK)
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I've been asked to give a talk around the general subject of family history to a group of "elderly" learners.
Rather than going down the family tree route, I wondered about encouraging them to somehow record their memories for the benefit of their younger relatives - on the basis that we've probably all lamented the fact that we didn't ask our own old relatives questions before they died/became incapable of telling us. Oh, and a particular bugbear of mine, get them to write [proper information] on the reverse of photographs.
I've got lots of questions that they could give their answers to, but apart from asking them to go home and physically write them down/word process them (if skills allow), or getting their children/grandchildren/g.grandchildren to imitate Jeremy Paxman (other personalities are available) and to video them being "interviewed" to answer the questions,I'm a bit stuck as to how else to suggest that they might record them.
So, firstly, do you think the idea is a sound one and secondly, how can I make it work properly?
All help/advice welcomed!
STG
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Realistically these learners may not be too receptive to your efforts unless you pre warn them what you intend doing as they will be expecting something else. So before you get too wrapped up in your plans I would suggest a little forward planning. Of course I could be wrong but at least this exercise would help to prevent a disaster
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Well, as we're not planning to just drag a random group of elderly people off the streets and talk at them, I anticipate that the pre-publicity would at least have given them a vague idea as to what they were in for.
Still, thanks for the word of warning. Cheered me up no end!
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Perhaps you could get them to try and start their trees before they come to the talk, recording as much information as they know about their immediate ancestors eg parents, grandparents and then structure the talk more as a question and answer session about how to expand/ track further back.
I'm with you on the photos! My mother and I are both keen genealogists and yet I am still struggling to get her to go through photos and add names. She is 86 and the last of that generation of the family so I really must sit down with her soon and go through the old photos with her.
Isobel
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Sorry, obviously haven't made myself clear.
I don't intend to go down the build-a-family-tree-route at all. I wanted it to be about encouraging these learners to help to preserve their memories for current/future generations. The title of the talk would be something like "Saving Your Family's Stories/Memories".
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Hi
Perhaps you need to start with an example of what you would like them to do? Can you show them what you have done in terms of getting older family members to record their memories? Have you a photo album with names of the people shown and how they are related to you, and how this has helped you? This might then encourage them to think about their own families and what they know, and could start a discussion about the best ways to 'capture' this information, and then they could have a go at doing it themselves?
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I've did a similar talk many years ago and although I know you do not wish to go down the family tree route a VERY brief out line is useful. Why? Because then you can stress the need for later searchers to get answers to questions they wished they had asked and the benefit of an older generation having already written down some information. In particular maiden names of female forebears, pencil information on the back of photos, where they lived at such and such a time, little habits or 'quirks' of family members etc.
They may need the spur to get them started and it is useful to know and understand why the information they carry in their heads is important.
Lilym
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Ok let's say I know nuffin about family history research and I have joined in with a bunch of like minded people. On a scale of 1 to 10 how appreciative do you imagine I am going to be when someone decides that I really do not need to learn about the in's and out's of family research? But instead decides that I am some kind of social recluse incapable of leaving behind my memories of anything? All things considered I'd say your idea is unsound.
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I think this is a great idea! The older generation have very often an amazing recall of events, with huge amount of detail. Many love talking about memories rather than writing this down...don't blame them...life is too short ;)
Have a look at this link for example http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/history/handsonhistory/reel_memories_english.pdf
Monica :)
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Hi
Perhaps you need to start with an example of what you would like them to do? Can you show them what you have done in terms of getting older family members to record their memories? Have you a photo album with names of the people shown and how they are related to you, and how this has helped you? This might then encourage them to think about their own families and what they know, and could start a discussion about the best ways to 'capture' this information, and then they could have a go at doing it themselves?
I've did a similar talk many years ago and although I know you do not wish to go down the family tree route a VERY brief out line is useful. Why? Because then you can stress the need for later searchers to get answers to questions they wished they had asked and the benefit of an older generation having already written down some information. In particular maiden names of female forebears, pencil information on the back of photos, where they lived at such and such a time, little habits or 'quirks' of family members etc.
They may need the spur to get them started and it is useful to know and understand why the information they carry in their heads is important.
Lilym
Excellent ideas. Thanks v.much.
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I think this is a great idea! The older generation have very often an amazing recall of events, with huge amount of detail. Many love talking about memories rather than writing this down...don't blame them...life is too short ;)
Have a look at this link for example http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/history/handsonhistory/reel_memories_english.pdf
Monica :)
Fab link, Monica!
Great stuff.
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The BBC did a massive exercise on this not so long ago. Further links to the one above:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7812068.stm
www.rootschat.com/links/01fam/
Other links such as this one:
www.ohs.org.uk/
www.instructables.com/id/Record-Your-Familys-Oral-History-before-it-dies-/
There are many more to help and support you in giving structure to your project and talk.
Monica
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Hi SMG
Voice recordings might be less intimidating than video. More like a natural conversation. And they wouldn't have to write it down. Someone else could transcribe it.
Venelow
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I'd say it depends on the definition of 'elderly'. It could be anything from 60 - 95, couldn't it? I would imagine if they are expecting a talk on family history (such as our local library organises, to get people started) they will want to know simple steps they can take to research their own family.
If, on the other hand, it's a group of very elderly, maybe in a nursing home, they may indeed welcome the opportunity to record their memories. So your approach could be spot on.
Pat
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Hi STG
If you decided you didn't want to go down the oral history route - what about this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo2foYPakaI&feature=youtu.be
She was a speaker at WDYTYA
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Oh lots of really good ideas. Thanks everyone.
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I once worked in a Rest Home as Activities Co-ordinator. When I was doing Oral Histories with some of the residents, I typed up a simple questionnaire on A4, for them to fill in, if they were able, or with help from relatives when they visited.
I had access to their full names and birth details, so was able to start them off a little, with those details on the sheet. Then I had a place for parents, siblings, marriage chn etc, and questions like,
What was ...... Your favourite. Etc
Who was...
Where did.... You meet Dad/Mum
Basically a Who, What, How, Where, When document that works well.
I started one for myself, as an example, with a group of about 20. Had a big whiteboard and did it on a huge sheet of paper, same layout, but they could all relate it to the size paper they had. It would work just as easily, if not better, on a power point presentation if you have such access.
It's amazing how much knowledge these people had, and triggers in a group situation will often bring up some really old memories!
Each persons memory sheets were then kept on a clipboard in their room, and family were notified and invited to encourage that walk down memory lane together.
It was great to go back in on the next Monday and see just how much was filled in on their Questionnaires. Feedback from families was great as well, a number who said things like, wow, didn't have a clue Mum did....... So the way was also paved for maybe some further research by the families! A win win for all.
Good luck with your project!
And from Rudyard Kipling
I KEEP six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who
A great mantra when researching the lives of my families!
Jeanne 😄
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I've been asked to give a talk around the general subject of family history to a group of "elderly" learners.
Rather than going down the family tree route, I wondered about encouraging them to somehow record their memories for the benefit of their younger relatives - on the basis that we've probably all lamented the fact that we didn't ask our own old relatives questions before they died/became incapable of telling us. Oh, and a particular bugbear of mine, get them to write [proper information] on the reverse of photographs.
I've got lots of questions that they could give their answers to, but apart from asking them to go home and physically write them down/word process them (if skills allow), or getting their children/grandchildren/g.grandchildren to imitate Jeremy Paxman (other personalities are available) and to video them being "interviewed" to answer the questions,I'm a bit stuck as to how else to suggest that they might record them.
So, firstly, do you think the idea is a sound one and secondly, how can I make it work properly?
All help/advice welcomed!
STG
I would video them talking, or at least record the audio from them. Ive done it with my parents. When they get going, they wont stop.
When you have the recordings, it can be burned to dvd, or saved to hard disc for later transcription if needed. Its much easier that way, and it saves them having to slog away writing a life story out.
Also when you video, you see the expressions on the persons face. And the cadence and tone of the speech can convey emotions, much more than the written article.
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Hi SMG
Voice recordings might be less intimidating than video. More like a natural conversation. And they wouldn't have to write it down. Someone else could transcribe it.
Venelow
This would have been my suggestion as well.
Make it as natural a setting as possible and look to ask leading questions ie are they of an age when a parent may have had some involvement in either war. What major event do they remember themselves ie coronation, general strike , trouble down't mill , rationing and the like. This can be in a group setting so they can bounce memories off of each other or one on one for the more personal memories
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Recording on a tape can be daunting, for anyone, I tried to write about a village I had moved to, I invited an elderly villager to tell me about the village, over tea we chatted and I asked if I could make notes or use my tape as what she told me was so interesting, this seemed to work and she told me so much. A lot of older people do not realise what they remember is so interesting but once they understand they are a minefield of historical details .
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Just a tip for Video work. The camera does not have to be right in front of the persons face, as this can be a bit much for people.
You can place the camera in a corner of the room, and sit away from it. Make sure the camera is zoomed in correctly. Obviously tell the people the camera is there.
After a very short time, they will forget the camera exists and talk as normal.
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Unless it's me who is mistaken, I think some people are confused as to what STG wants. As I understand it, she is giving a talk, during which she is will suggest that the audience goes home and records their own memories and experiences in some form or other. I don't think she is planning to do the interviewing and recording as part of the talk itself.
It sounds a very good idea for your talk, by the way, especially if you can show examples of how easily family information can get lost.
Mike
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Unless it's me who is mistaken, I think some people are confused as to what STG wants. As I understand it, she is giving a talk, during which she is will suggest that the audience goes home and records their own memories and experiences in some form or other. I don't think she is planning to do the interviewing and recording as part of the talk itself.
It sounds a very good idea for your talk, by the way, especially if you can show examples of how easily family information can get lost.
Mike
Good point. But as a video fan I feel the camera is nothing to be afraid of, for people thinking of recording family and friends.
The facial reactions and emotional nuance the camera picks up, can add so much more to a story. Ultimately I suppose as long as the information is recorded, its all good.
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Mike has sorted through the chaff and has found the heart of the problem. People don't read so well ;D
On the basis of reading the question properly I will add this
Communication is the most important aspect of family history...whether it be myth or truth. We seem to be limited to the communication styles we take for granted. Writing, taping=oral or pictures/videoing=visual. Yet there are a few other ways to present a family story
Find out what each can do in the way of skill sets ie knitting or crocheting and getting them to knit/crochet a rug of the people that have populated their lives. Others may have favourite recipes they attach to certain family members. So get them to do a recipe with a background story of the person who first gave it to them.
Some may have craft skills or painting. These are all means of communication. The secret is to find what each individual will do without thinking it is work :)
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Mike has sorted through the chaff and has found the heart of the problem. People don't read so well ;D
Ohh, I think people read very well really. They just try to help in their own way, from different aspects, views and experiences.
Monica ;)
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It sounds a very good idea to me, I wish someone had suggested it to my elderly relatives before it was too late. I think as long as the title of the talk is along the lines that STG suggested eg "Saving Your Family's Stories/Memories," people will know exactly what the talk is going to be about and wont go expecting to be shown how to draw up their family tree.
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Thanks everyone. Lots of excellent ideas here.
STG
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You might start out by a BIG visual aid of a simple family tree, your own or fictional, and talking a bit about how much is lost - witness all the "celebs" on WDYTYA. You might ask them if they've ever watched that; if they know of any recorded tree related to them - get them talking, anecdotes etc.
Then explain that's exactly what they can best pass forward to family historians - their own or the wider world. Talk about the recently televised VE day memories recalled - so easily those could be lost.
Read out a few anecdotes or significant event memories and blu-tack them in the appropriate spaces on your Vis Aid Tree. Add photos - pointing out that pencilled in details on the rear can save a lot of time. Possibly have a participation event for them - a sheet with a few photos (females are easier) on it that they can try to pin down the dates of ( a little prize?) and discuss how they can elicit evidence from pics. You could also add photos of places - preferably in the locality, old pics, and also show the same places in the present day.
That load of stuff up on display should demonstrate well how additional information can flesh out the bare facts of born, married, bred, died, and enrich it.
Then you can go into how your audience can do this - show a pic of or have a box of muddled old photos, with no information. Show albums. Explain how captions in albums, and pencilled notes on the back of pictures can be really helpful - dates and places, too, as well as names. "Cousin Jean" isn't as helpful as "My cousin Jean Bloggs, aged 18, at Blackpool, summer 1972" - and possibly their own name or initials. Explain too how free sites like RootChat can be of great help to family historians (we all know not all "elderly" are at all phased by computers, don't we?) and suggest how they may like to start. You could even distribute a sheet with either a fill-in-your -own -family mini - tree, and/or a few questions like:
* Where were you born?
*When/where were you baptised?
* Where were your parents married?
*What were your grandparents' names?
* Where were your grandparents married? When?
*What do you remember about where you first lived?
*Describe what one of your grandparents looked like?
- I'm sure you'll think of far better things yourself.
To wind it up, you could ask them if they'd like to have another meeting say a month later, and each bring a small local memory, a story, photo or something, with them then.
-Then go for a good drink!
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Crikey ThrelfallYorky that's all fab! Especially the bit about having a drink at the end ;)
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I thought it sounded a bit like a lesson plan, when I'd written it - but it should work. People always like:
a) a handout
b) a little quiz
c) something they can contribute there and then
- and a vis. aid that builds up as you go along.
I gave my own mother a couple of loose-leaf photo albums, a few years before she died, and a selection of pretty pens and things, and asked her to have a go at the large ( but not as large as it used to be, I'd already noted) pile of old photos at their home.
So what did she do? Started with all the baby photos of me - I never knew there were so many! She showed me with great pride a week later that she'd "done" X pages - I prepared to admire ... but oh dear, they were all -ME! I suggested she started on the older ones - "Oh, no, Dear. No-one is interested in them, they're all long-dead" (sound effects as of chewing carpet to subdue self and avoid thoughts of matricide). I never did get most of the really old ones pinned down, sadly.
-And I'm sure that story isn't unique.
I know you'll put your own twist on this, if you find you can use it, and I hope - especially after the help you've given me over past months - that you find you can use it! A tiny way to try to say "thank you" for your help to me, earlier.
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ThrelfallYorky, I agree with SMG. Great plan there :)
Monica
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I agree with threlfalls Yorkys ideas. Something to take home with them - simple a4 sheet is very useful. One tip though - use a decent size font - minimum 14 even if you have to put less things on the page. Older people hate small print and don't use fancy coloured paper. Black ink on white or ivory cream paper, or black ink on paler yellow paper. :) do let us know how it goes.
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do let us know how it goes.
I haven't got a date for it yet, so don't hold your breath - it could be a while before I get back to you all.
STG
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... So start preparing your vis aids now! It takes longer than you think, and remember, scale is important. If you want to do the "Basic Tree" as a powerpoint or similar, and add things to it to make your point, as you go on, that often solves the scale problem, although I often think, in this world of computer things, a good old-fashioned "stick it up and stick 'em on" approach can work really well.