Etiquette in Genealogy

[annie1]

Hi,

I have just read an interview in an recent New Zealand newspaper, I couldn't believe it I am sure the person is part of my family line that I have been trying to track down, all the details regarding his family, names, dates etc, and generations are the same, the area where they stayed, and there was also a photgraph.
I checked with the White pages and have an address, I want to get in touch, what I am not sure about now is how do I go about this? Has anyone been in the same situation? I would hate to offend anyone.

Ann

[Pandabean]

Hi Ann,

I have been in a similar situation. While tracing down one of the lines from my great great grandfather I discovered that the descendants were still living. I found the details on 192.com and thought about writting. So I think I asked for advice on here about how to go about it.

Eventually I did write and sent them a letter with copies of reports from the family tree. So two or three days later I got a phone call from the person and he was very happy that I wrote to them. We eventually met up and chatted and it all went well.

The main thing is be cautious about contacting some people as they may not be open to recieving such information in the post. But seeing as they are doing the family tree then I guess it wouldn't harm in trying to contact them.

Regards,
Andy

[joette]

I'm with Andy on this one they are putting their research out in the Public domain so I presume they are hoping for other relatives to get in touch.
Kiwis are usaully a friendly lot so I would sit down & write a letter.Include your reasons for thinking you are related,excerpts from your tree,copies of certificates etc.
I have a feeling they will be thrilled that there is another connection out there & that you may be able to fill in gaps for each other.

[annie1]

Hi Andy & Joette,

Thanks for your replies, I will write and keep my fingers crossed,
The man in question was not actually being interviewed about his tree, it was just that he mentioned in his interview about where his family originated from, and the dates they arrived in New Zealand, plus throughout he mentioned the names of family members, which I have certificates for when they lived in Scotland, I will go carefully and hope they respond [-o<

Thanks
Ann

[emanday]

Hi Ann,

I recently wrote to someone I believed might be a relative after finding their name while googling. Their location was mentioned and I found their address and telephone number via the BT site.

I wrote, explaining my research and potential connection, but made it clear that, if I received no reply, I would respect their privacy.

Not only did they reply with lots of further details, I am also now in contact with other rellies in Australia!

Some other potentials I have written to have not replied and I have not pressed the point, as I'd promised in my letters.

It's always worth the try.

[annie1]

Hi Mary,

That is encouraging! I wrote a letter today with just enough information, it did take me all afternoon though, and hopefully, I will get it sent tomorrow, I hope I am as lucky as you were

Ann

[trish1]

Hello Ann

I'm probably a little late with my reply but thought I would mention - I prefer to phone, rather than write, if I find someone in the white pages. One has to talk rather fast or else folks tend to think you are a spam caller, but once past the initial hello I have always found the folks I called were friendly and helpful.

My main problem with writing a letter is what to do if you don't receive a reply - did they get it, were they not interested?

The first call I made took 3 months to build up the courage to actually call , but we have since become good friends & 4 years later are still discussing genealogy

Trish

[annie1]

Hi Trish,

You were brave making a phone call, I would have done, but I was bad enough trying to write the letter 8-[ its good to hear you had a warm response.
When I am nervous I go ten to the dozen anyway, the chances of him understanding me would have been pretty slim
I have found another address of people from the same line, so if I dont hear anything after a few months I might phone the other group

Ann

[donna petrie]

I once received an address of a known relative through one line and sent a letter with my facts and gave them my e-mail. I heard nothing back so did not pursue. Hope the weather is nice next week as I am coming over for a holiday; I want to get some special Scottish items for my granddaughter who is expected in May! Donna

[annie1]

Hi Donna,

I am not building up my hopes and that way it wont be too disapointing if I hear nothing.
Hope you have a good holiday, weather wise, today we have snow lying on the ground, but the sun is trying to come out, rolling our egg might be a bit of a trial today

Ann