Historical fiction

I have been thinking really hard about starting a historical fiction novel lately. I want to write a story that follows a family that lives through the dust bowl, but I am a little nervous that I will not be able to do the era justice.  I want to make sure my characters talk and act like people of the era and region did.  I want to make sure my own thoughts and feelings don't get in they way.  I know it is possible. I guess I just have to start.  This would be so much easier if somebody would let me borrow their time machine.