Lesson 1: Start at Home - Family Interview Guide
Your journey into family history starts with the most precious, perishable resources, your living relatives. Don't delay. Start by interviewing your elders.
Why This Matters
Family history is more than dates and names—it's the stories, wisdom, and experiences that make your family unique. When we lose our elders, we lose irreplaceable knowledge about where we come from and who we are.
The Family Interview Guide helps you capture these precious stories while you still can. Through thoughtful, open-ended questions, you'll discover the experiences that shaped your family's journey.
This guide is designed specifically for older adults and their families. It's easy to follow, respectful of your time, and focused on creating meaningful conversations—not just collecting facts.
Prepare for Your Interview
Sample Interview Questions
Here's a preview of the types of questions you'll find in the complete guide. These are designed to be open-ended and encourage meaningful storytelling.
Early Childhood
Where were you born?
This open-ended question encourages your family member to share their personal experiences and memories.
What is your earliest memory?
This open-ended question encourages your family member to share their personal experiences and memories.
Tell me about your parents and siblings.
This open-ended question encourages your family member to share their personal experiences and memories.
Adulthood & Career
What was your first job?
This open-ended question encourages your family member to share their personal experiences and memories.
How did you meet your spouse/partner?
This open-ended question encourages your family member to share their personal experiences and memories.
What career path did you follow?
This open-ended question encourages your family member to share their personal experiences and memories.
Ready to Preserve Your Family's Stories?
The complete Family Interview Guide includes 50+ carefully crafted
questions, recording tips, and a printable worksheet to help you
organize your interviews.