Interview questions

Be specific with your questions. Don't say, "Tell me all about your childhood." Instead ask, "What was your happiest childhood memory?" Ask about names, dates, and places, but don't forget to inquire about family traditions and stories.

Start off with an easy question -- perhaps a story you've heard before -- to put your subject at ease. Then move on to other subjects.

Suggested questions include:

• Are there any family stories about the origin of your family or family name?
• How did you get your first and middle names?
• What did you parents look like? Grandparents? Great-grandparents?
• What was your relationship like with your parents? Grandparents? Brothers? Sisters?
• Where have you lived? Why?
• Where did you go to school?
• What stories did you hear about your grandparents? Great-grandparents?
• Are there family traditions associated with birthdays or holidays?
• How did members of your family earn a living?

Several Web sites offer suggestions for conducting family history interviews. These include: Tips for Oral History Interviewing.