Questions to ask the folks

I found a wonderful website a few weeks ago. I was drawn to Michael John Neill's articles and genealogy work because of his thorough and entertaining articles. After I had explored his website and read many of his writings, I discovered that we shared a German name in our family lines. That was exciting.

His articles read so much like those that I would like to be able to write. Like most truly great and sharing genealogists he said "yes" when I asked if I could refer to some of his articles. Let me introduce Michael and be sure to visit his website.

Michael John Neill, is the Course I Coordinator at the Genealogical Institute of Mid America (GIMA) held annually in Springfield, Illinois, and is also on the faculty of Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois. Michael is the Web columnist for the FGS FORUM and is on the editorial board of the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly. He conducts seminars and lectures on a wide variety of genealogical and computer topics and contributes to several genealogical publications, including Ancestry and Genealogical Computing. You can e-mail him at: mailto:mneill@asc.csc.cc.il.us or visit his website at: www.rootdig.com/, but he regrets that he is unable to assist with personal research.

He has a fun article that he has called "Interviewing Grandma". (How I wish I could) It is too late for me but anyone who may be reading this that still has their grandparents, you need to get started. Summer is the time for family visits, picnics and reunions. Take advantage of these opportunities and talk to your family members. Michael's article has 10 tips for recording oral histories and a long list of questions that you may want to use. Check it out.