What new knowledge gained from interviewing?

Answer 1

Interviews can be a wonderful way to gather information about ones ancesters. Many of our grandparents and great-grandparents never wrote books but have amazing stories to tell if we just ask. For example, think of all the inventions we have seen in our lifetimes. My mom tells a story of her best friend as a child who had the first television on the block and how they'd all go over there to see it. Even in my own lifetime, we got only 4-6 channels when I was a kid and we had to get up and physically turn a dial on the TV to change the channel. Anyway, older people have amazing stories to tell and often appreciate when others take interest in them. My grandfather had memories and stories about WW 2 that offered such a unique perspective- interesting information to have along with the history in text books. I have friends who have recorded their oldest relatives sharing their oral histories. The recordings are priceless treasures.