! valign="middle" align="left" scope="row" | 1. Perserving information and memories (questions produce answers)<br>
| Critical step: Ask questions of your relatives before it is no longer an option. Record not only the facts but also the memories of an individual(the only dumb question is the one that was '''never''' asked). See the article on how to conduct a good interview. <br>If you are a member of the senior generation than simply ask yourself the questions from the question lists. Your answers could contain valuable clues for future family historians.<br>