I mentioned in a blog post of an experience interviewing my father in law. Dad Harawira shared some amazing stories with me during our time. I planned ahead to make sure the tripod & camera were set up at a comfortable distance away & knew that I wanted to start with questions about old photos we had looked at earlier in the day. We held up several photos during our discussions to identify individuals & the occasion for the photo. I kept the questions simple, avoided interrupting his responses, followed a sequential story-line format, & enjoyed watching Dad's face light up as he re-lived the experiences with me. *Here is a priceless interview with my father-in law, Mark Harawira Early Memories of New Zealand
----------- A random memory - I often felt like I had nothing to talk about with my grandparents. They were always kind & caring, but we had very little in common. Now, I wish I could go back in time to ask them about their lives; What was important to them? What life-lessons would they pass along to us today? I decided years ago not to let my own children make the same mistake I did. It's important to ask our "Elders" to share their wisdom & stories with us. In the old days, such stories were written in journals. Today, we can record them with mobile devices & computers and post online via social media. However you choose to preserve memories, get it done! |
Interview Questions for Creating a Biography - Interview a relative today!
1) Organize a visit with some of the senior members of your family. They will be a valuable resource to start your research. Prepare photos you have (as memory prompts), take several note pads, pencils, & a digital camera. (Camcorder & tripod, if possible.).
I read an online family history inquiry just yesterday where a man was asking for help piecing together information his aunt started many years ago; She recently died before he sat down to ask her questions about it, so now there's no one else in the family who can answer his questions. Don't let this happen to you! Don't rely on your Great Aunt Ruth to be the sole "Keeper of the records"! Get involved now! You don't have to take over everything, just express an interest & ask what you can do to help. |
(Will add this as a PDF soon)
Here are some questions you can use:
1.) What was your childhood home like and where was it located?
2.) Did you have chores & what kind of reward did you receive for doing them?
3.) Did you have a favorite meal or treat as a child? Is it still your favorite today?
4.) Did you attend church services together? What were they like?
5.) What did you enjoy doing as a child?..Did you play sports?...Have a favorite Game?
6.) Who were your friends growing up and what kind of things did you do together?
7.) What kind of mischief did you get into as a child & how did it affect you?
8.) What were some of the fads that came out during your younger days & did you like them?
9.) What is you favorite memory of time spent with your siblings?
10.) What do you remember most about your Father? What did he do for a living?
11.) Do you have a favorite memory of your Mother? What was she like?
12.) Did you have other extended family, such as Aunts, Uncles, or Cousins that lived nearby?
13.) Describe your Grandparents. What did you like most about them?
14.) When did you start dating? How did you meet your wife? What's your favorite memory of dating her?
15.) Did you begin any family traditions after you were married?
16.) What historical events stand out most in your memories? (Invention of... War... Cure for...)
17.) Tell me about a moment in your life that you will never forget.
18.) What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment in your life?
19.) What advise or words of wisdom would you give to your future posterity?
20.) When people look back at your life, what do you want them to remember most about you?
Here are some questions you can use:
1.) What was your childhood home like and where was it located?
2.) Did you have chores & what kind of reward did you receive for doing them?
3.) Did you have a favorite meal or treat as a child? Is it still your favorite today?
4.) Did you attend church services together? What were they like?
5.) What did you enjoy doing as a child?..Did you play sports?...Have a favorite Game?
6.) Who were your friends growing up and what kind of things did you do together?
7.) What kind of mischief did you get into as a child & how did it affect you?
8.) What were some of the fads that came out during your younger days & did you like them?
9.) What is you favorite memory of time spent with your siblings?
10.) What do you remember most about your Father? What did he do for a living?
11.) Do you have a favorite memory of your Mother? What was she like?
12.) Did you have other extended family, such as Aunts, Uncles, or Cousins that lived nearby?
13.) Describe your Grandparents. What did you like most about them?
14.) When did you start dating? How did you meet your wife? What's your favorite memory of dating her?
15.) Did you begin any family traditions after you were married?
16.) What historical events stand out most in your memories? (Invention of... War... Cure for...)
17.) Tell me about a moment in your life that you will never forget.
18.) What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment in your life?
19.) What advise or words of wisdom would you give to your future posterity?
20.) When people look back at your life, what do you want them to remember most about you?
- Remember, during the interview - be natural; sit comfortably on a sofa; sip a cup of hot chocolate; smile, enjoy!
- After the interview, be sure to thank them for sharing their stories. Offer to give them a copy of your interview together. Let them know they are loved.