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A Guide To Minimal Genealogy Preparedness                2017 10 01
Lesson 023...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

Defining The Problem...
Life (And death) comes at us hard and fast-Whether we're ready or not.
So it's in our best interest to be as prepared as possible at all times for the unexpected.

Obviously this is good advice for life in general, but most of our lives don't revolve around genealogy.
Most people are enthusiasts, hobbyists or family tree historians with some sort of orderly approach.

The problems associated with unexpected interactions and their lost potential are common mishaps.
Those lost moments usually close with promises of "get-together soon", emails or phone calls.

The reality is that we can never re-capture that moment of fevered excitment in an elders memory!
Witnessing the clarity and concentration to detail of a happening a generation ago is astounding!
Seizing the moment in a manor that can "freeze-frame" a vision for others is crucial to history!

Many defining moments of national or world history are known today because of basic readiness.
Someone at a key moment in time at a certain place had the proper tools to record the ordeal.
Family history stories can be as equally sudden!-Such as from an unexpected visitor or trip!


How Does That Happen?...
Whatever endeavors people are into, they tend to collect the "tools of their trade" into one area.
Genealogists are no different, they tend to keep their tools, notes and electronics together.
The problem becomes that these are either cumbersome, or kept at home, or both.

However practical this may be, it doesn't work well for the occasional unexpected or fleeting moment.
In the time it takes to collect all our "necessary" tools and information, the lesson may be gone.
Time continually moves on and without regard to us as we scurry to preserve a moment.

As we become more involved with our hobby, there becomes an air of "indulgance research".
That is, we begin to feel as historians recording from records kept by unknown authors.
Though a necessity for generations passed, we must not forget the living sources.

We risk a great loss when we assume that todays knowledge sources will always be there tomorrow.
Unpreparedness combined with putting things off "until there's time" are un-necessary gambles.
The loss is later recognised through the hindsight that only expierience can bring.


What's Can Be Done To Fix This?...
Surprisingly, a great deal can be done to overcome the loss at virtually no cost or added time!
The answers are so simple and basic that they're often overlooked or even prematurely dismissed!
Common items that you carry everyday for other purposes can help save an otherwise lost memory!

The cell phone you carry can become one of the most useful genealogy tools you have!
Everything from phoning to taking pictures to notes and complete family trees can run on them!
It helps to be well versed with a phone, but even basic phonecalls and pictures are a huge advantage!

Another overlooked genealogy tool based in simplicity is the paper and pencil (or pen)!
Whether a pocket-pad, business card or portfolio-Whatever is handy that lets you save the data!
The idea is to save the information so that you can retrieve it ACCURATELY at any given time later on.

The most critical of all the items in your genealogy toolchest is your own awareness!
Know when a "teachable moment" is happening around you and then take advantage of it!
In short, these are moments that place you in family situations not usually encountered by yourself.

Understand that these moments are guaranteed to arise from time-to-time within your life.
These few unencombered readiness practices will put you far ahead of "writing from memory".
Best of all there's no additional time or expense attached to these and they're all with you anyway!


How Do We Make The Most Of So Little?...
Start with awareness, in both your surroundings and the equipment you have available within reach.
It's sometimes easy to become "caught up" in the moment discussing history with relatives.
By making them aware of your hobby, it eases the awkwardness of writing.

Cellphone cameras are excellent for saving pictures-Whether people, buildings or headstones!
Put your texting thumbs to better use by writing notes for later use-Be accurate!
Use the phone to call and invite family to meet when traveling!

A simple spiral-type notepad with pen can be very handy for observing fast paced conversations.
Listen while others talk, record items you weren't previously aware of, and ask questions!
Even if you can't get to them right away, date and store all notes together.

The more you practice, the better you'll become and the more people will be willing/able to help you!
Remember to be courteous to all and be accurate (Facts/Not opinions) in your transcriptions.
Helpful Hint: The older your "informant", the more they know-Invest more time!


What Did We Learn From This?...
We now see that our own awareness is what leads us to previously unknown information.
It can transform a seemingly average day-visit into a mini historical rejuvenation!
Even if only a small piece of knowledge is gleaned, we're all better for it!

We also see that our everyday items can aid us in helping our hobby be as fulfilling as any profession!
These firsthand views of others memoirs and memories along with dialogue are epic to a tree!
Together these photos, videos, documents and notes can create an exclusive interview!

As simple as these tools are, they're often overlooked because they seem "low-tech" or "common".
That train of thought seems to come from a perception that genealogy is difficult to master.
If these tools are so outdated for todays world, then why do people still carry them?

Usually with unanticipated meetings, they tend to revolve around "What's new?" style conversations.
Try asking about what's old... Stick to what that person would have been directly involved in.
A simple segway that works: "Do you remember... (So-And-So/That thing/etc.)".

Even if there is no paper, pen, time or place for writing it all down, being aware and initiating is key!
Salvaging any detail is still an advancement that would have otherwise escaped history.
In the end, that's what makes one tree stand out above the rest-Details!


The Basic Rules...
First...
Forethought: Knowing that the time will arise unexpectedly at some point, and being prepared for it.
There is no way to foresee unannounced meetings, but they will happen from time-to-time.

Second...
Recognition: Understanding what's happening when the moment arises and seizing the opportunity.
Taking the initiative may seem bold, but it can be flattering to others as long as you don't pry.

Third...
Equipment: Basic equipment you already have with you at all times but didn't even know it.
Use your Phone/Camera....Charger....Pen & Paper....Conversation...Enjoy!


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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