Congratulations: youve won the family history lottery.
Its a portable size (6x9 inches) with 100 pages for records and additional pages for notes.
For a little more guidance, try theFamily Tree Workbook: 30+ Step-by-Step Worksheets to Build Your Family History.
Congratulations, you are a documentarian.
Android phones have a similar built-in audio recording app called Recorder or Voice Recorder, depending on your phone.
Recording phone calls is trickier.
Checkhereto see whats required by law in your state.
It has space for 59 hours of recorded audio and room for an SD card if you need more.
Transfer your recordings with the built-in USB.
For face-to-face interviews, at least set up asmall, flexible tripodso you are not fumbling with the phone.
The free app will help you with interview guidance and recording instructions.
Your recordings are stored locally on your unit, and you decide who to share with.
Take advantage of StoryCorps experience by choosing some options from theirlist of great questions.
It includes interview questions sorted by topic like raising children, religion, working, love and relationships.
Compile your questions in advance and consider giving your interviewee a preview so they can give it some thought.
Browsing genealogy and DNA records with a family member should elicit some stories.
If that doesnt work, try theirconversation promptsto get conversation rolling.
Every kid does one eventually.
Let that be your opportunity to sneak in some questions about Great Aunt Beulah.
Give them a guided journal they can respond to in private, at their own pace.
There are many versions of this concept, like theTell Me Your Life Story series.
Try a service likeStoryworth.
it’s possible for you to also buy additional copies of the book.
They will receive one email per week and can respond in their own time.
Everything is compiled at the end of the year.
You get to choose what questions are sent each week.
Finally, when you go in search of family stories, dont leave out your own generation.
