Decide how you want to document the interview
Choices are:
Arrange a time to meet with the person you want to interview. Plan a visit that takes no longer than an hour or so. If you want to learn more about the tradition, make arrangements for a second visit. Be sure to tell the person if are planning to make a recording or take photographs and ask them if that is fine with them.
Develop a list of questions before you go on the interview. You can develop this list with the help of your teacher. It is always good to start with some personal history:
Then the interview can move on to asking
As you ask the person questions, keep in mind that you are doing an interview and they are sharing their thoughts with you. Listen more than talk!
If you plan to take photographs, think about the different things you may want to take pictures of. You may want to take a portrait of the person, some pictures of them working on their craft, playing music or doing something related to their tradition.
After the interview, ask the person to sign a "Release Form" that says you have permission to put the pictures and recordings in your school or community collection.
After your visit send the person a thank you note.
Label all the notes and recordings you make and work with your teacher to store them in a place where they can be preserved.
Portable Document Format (.pdf). Visit nh.gov for a list of free .pdf readers for a variety of operating systems.
New Hampshire State Council on the Arts
19 Pillsbury Street - 1st Floor, Concord, NH 03301