Memories

Recording your memories is a good way to start your family history research. Begin with writing down everything that you know about yourself.

• When were you born? Where?
• Where did you live growing up?
• Did your family move? When? Where from? Where to?
• What was the name of your elementary school? High school? College?
• Do you have any brothers or sisters?
• What are their birth dates and places?
• Who is your mother? Father?
• How did your parents meet?
• Where and when were your parents married?
• When and where were they born?
• Where did/does your father work? Your mother?
• Did your father or mother serve in the military?

After writing your memories about your immediate family, record what you know about your grandparents and great-grandparents. Don't forget about your aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Names, dates, and places are important, but stories about family traditions and customs add interest to family histories. Consider your memories about holidays, vacations, and other activities.

• Who selected your name? Why?
• How did your family celebrate birthdays?
• What were your favorite foods? Who cooked them? Do you have the recipes?
• How did your family celebrate holidays? Did you have annual traditions?
• Where have you traveled? Why?
• What hobbies did you have as a child? Why?
• What was your favorite book? TV show? Movie?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?