With the whole world having a lot more time at home I hope that there has been some good time spent with loved ones in person or via technology. There are a lot of people struggling with health and financial issues related to COVID-19, and we should all do our part to help those in need. We should also recognize that for many people life is often a rat race, and this time is precious and likely won't be repeated where we are forced to stop dead in our tracks and think about what matters most. I found this list of 20 questions to ask loved ones and felt that it was definitely worth sharing. Feel free to share it with your own loved ones, and don't forget to take notes!

-Grady

20 Family History Interview Questions

Want to hear your relatives’ stories, but not sure where to start? The best tactics for family history interviews are to ask open-ended questions (rather than ones with yes or no answers), and to focus on people’s memories and experiences. It’s much more interesting—for you and the interviewee—to talk about the stories and emotions behind the events in your family’s past.

Family history interview are a great way for kids to get involved in their family’s history. Check out our list of questions for kids to ask their grandparents – or any relative!

20 Questions for Your Family History Interview

Use these questions as a springboard for planning your interview:

What’s your first memory?

Who’s the oldest relative you remember (and what do you remember about him or her)?

How did your parents meet?

Tell me about your childhood home.

How did your family celebrate holidays when you were a child?

How did you meet your spouse?

Tell me about your wedding day.

Tell me about the day your first child was born.

What were your favorite school subjects?

Tell me about your favorite teacher.

Tell me about some of your friends.

Describe your first job.

What did you do with your first paycheck?

What was your favorite job and why?

Who are some of your heroes?

Where were you when you heard that President Kennedy was shot? (Add or substitute other important historical events.)

What is your experience with or opinion of computers? (Add or substitute other modern conveniences, such as television, microwaves and cell phones.)Tell me about some of your favorite songs (also books, movies and television shows).

Tell me about some of the places where you’ve been happiest.

What haven’t we talked about that you’d like to discuss in the time we have left? (This is a good way to begin wrapping up the interview.)