Interviewing Your Elders: Extracting Valuable Family Stories

When it comes to genealogy, gathering family stories directly from our elders is a priceless endeavor. These stories not only provide us with a deeper understanding of our family history, but they also help us forge stronger connections with our older relatives. In this blog post, we will provide you with some interview tips and question prompts that will inspire you to connect with your older relatives and collect valuable information.

Interview Tips:

1. Set the Stage: Before the interview, create a comfortable and relaxed environment where your older relatives will feel at ease. This could be their favorite spot in the house, a cozy living room, or even a local park. The more relaxed they feel, the more likely they are to open up and share their stories.

2. Prepare in Advance: Take some time to research your family history and come up with a list of specific questions you would like to ask. This will not only help guide the conversation but also show your older relatives that you are genuinely interested in their stories.

3. Use Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking yes or no questions, use open-ended questions that encourage your relatives to share their memories and experiences. For example, instead of asking, “Did you enjoy family gatherings?” ask, “What are some of your fondest memories from family gatherings?”

4. Active Listening: During the interview, practice active listening. Show genuine interest in what your relatives are saying by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions. This will not only make them feel valued but also encourage them to share more.

5. Record the Interview: Consider recording the interview with your relative’s permission. This will allow you to capture their stories and memories accurately, ensuring that nothing is missed. Just be sure to test the recording equipment beforehand to avoid any technical issues.

Question Prompts:

1. Childhood Memories:

• What was your favorite childhood game or activity?
• What were your favorite toys or books?
• Did you have any special traditions or rituals in your family?

2. School Days:

• What was your favorite subject in school?
• Did you have any memorable teachers or classmates?
• What extracurricular activities were you involved in?

3. Family Life:

• What are some of your fondest memories from family gatherings?
• Did your family have any unique traditions or celebrations?
• What was your relationship like with your siblings?

4. Work and Career:

• What was your first job, and what do you remember about it?
• Did you have any career aspirations or dreams?
• What was the most challenging or rewarding aspect of your work?

5. Life Lessons and Advice:

• What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in life?
• What advice would you give to younger generations?
• Are there any specific values or beliefs that have guided you throughout your life?

Bringing Generations Together:

In addition to interviewing your older relatives, it’s also important to bring different generations together to share family stories. This can foster a sense of unity and create lasting memories. Here are a few ideas:

• Host a family reunion or gathering where everyone can share stories and memories.
• Create a family storytelling night where each member takes turns sharing a story.
• Start a family blog or website where family members can contribute their stories and memories.
• Organize a family history project where younger members can interview their older relatives.

By following these interview tips and question prompts, you will not only gather valuable information for your genealogy research but also create meaningful connections with your older relatives. Remember, family stories are the threads that weave our past and present together, and by preserving them, we ensure that they are passed down to future generations.