Research: The First Big Step

The first big step in making a scrapbook is to discover the history of your family. History is about asking questions, and one of the best ways to learn about your family is to talk with relatives. When you interview family members, ask open-ended questions.  Open-ended questions are questions that begin with the five “W’s.”

• The five "W's" are:

  • Who

  • What

  • Where

  • When

  • Why, and sometimes How.

• Research made easy!

  • From memory, write down the four keys for your family members (names, dates, places, relationships).

  • Search your house for documents to find more of the four keys.

  • Ask family members questions, especially the older generations.