The cornerstone of the ANF project was the National Survey of America's Families (NSAF), a survey of the economic, health, and social characteristics of children, adults under the age of 65, and their families. Conducted in 1997, 1999, and 2002 to gather information during each round on more than 100,000 people and more than 40,000 families across the country, the NSAF allowed researchers to watch national trends emerge. This report summarizes the pioneering steps and major accomplishments of the survey methods used to complete the NSAF, while acknowledging key challenges and important lessons for future household surveys.