When interviewing family members, whether it be in person, by phone, or by mail, it is helpful to come up with a list of questions beforehand. Here are some questions that can help get the interview rolling and possibly provide you with leads on where to look for new records:
- Where did you grow up?
- How long did your family live in the area(s)?
- Were there other family members in the area? Who?
- Did you live on a farm? What kind of crops did you grow?
- What kind of livestock or other animals did you keep?
- Did you have any pets?
- What was the house or apartment like? How many rooms?
- What kind of amenities did it have? (indoor plumbing, electricity or gas, phone, television, etc.)
- Were there any special items in the house that stand out in your mind (favorite possessions of yours, your parents, or siblings)?
- What kind of area/neighborhood was it?
- Did the town have a railroad? Post office? What kind of stores or shops?
- What was your family's religious affiliation?
- Where did you go to church?
- What religious ceremonies did you take part in?
- Did you have godparents or sponsors?
- Where did you go to school?
- What level education do you have?
- What was your favorite subject to study?
- Did you have any special interests when you were growing up (sports, hobbies, crafts, etc.)?
- What kind of games did you play?
- What was your favorite toy?
- What other things did you do for fun (go to beach, park, movies, zoo, etc.)?
- Did your family ever take trips or go on vacation?
- Do you speak any foreign languages?
- Did you have family reunions?
- Who were your friends when you were growing up?
- Who were the close friends of the family?
- Describe the personalities of your family members.
- Are there any physical characteristics that run in your family?
- Were there any serious illnesses in your family?
- Do any illnesses run in the family?
- Were there any memorable traditions that your family practiced?
- Can you remember any stories that were told to you as a child (fictional, folklore, or real life)?
- What events stand out in the memory of your childhood (historical, personal, familial, storms or disasters, fire, etc.)?
- What inventions or developments changed your life, and how?
- What was your father's occupation? Where did he work?
- Did your mother work? Where?
- Did you work? Where?
- Did anyone in your family ever serve in the military?
- Did anyone in your family ever hold a public office?
- What was your favorite song?
- Did anyone in your family play a musical instrument?
- What were your family's favorite meals? Are there any special family recipes?
- Were certain foods eaten or avoided on certain occasions?
- Were you ever mentioned in a newspaper?
- What kind of organizations did your family belong to (fraternal, charitable, scouting, etc.)?
- What special skills do you have?
- How did you come into your profession?
- When did you move away from home?
- Have you ever been married? If so, to whom? When?
- Where did you meet your husband/wife?
- Did you exchange any special gifts?
- How long did you date before getting married?
- Where did you get married?
- Who participated in your wedding?
- Did you have a reception? Was there music? What songs were played?
- Do you have a copy of your wedding invitation?
- Was there an announcement in the newspaper? Which paper?
