Build a Rapport When Speaking to Your Elders

At the recent Family History Expo,  in Atlanta, I appreciated the opportunity to listen to my cousin, and fellow genealogist Melvin Collier share with listeners, the value of  developing a good relationship with family elders, and building trust with them, as one interviews them for family history data. He spoke about the value of asking the right questions and listening well, and the information will come forth.  By doing this---we can have an opportunity to go back and get additional information when needed.

Melvin Collier, is the author of Mississippi to Africa, and he presented many tips for beginning genealogists who were wanting to learn how to document African American ancestors.  His presentation was at the Family History Expo last week in Duluth Georgia.