Pre-Interview Questions

If you decide to be interviewed about your life by a personal historian, here are some helpful things to think about before you begin. Jot down notes to help you remember the stories you want to tell.

  1. What do you think is the most important overall story to tell future generations about your family’s journey—challenges, endurance, and triumphs—during the last century? Is there anything in particular that most people don’t know, or that should be preserved, explained, or celebrated?

  2. Who are the principal family members whose lives you want to talk about? Why are they important? What were the major events in their lives? Do you have documents or clippings about them?

  3. What do you remember about your parents and grandparents? Do you know where they lived, their education, careers, beliefs, talents and abilities, illnesses, and major events in their lives? How did they meet? List their children and grandchildren.

  4. What are the major events in your life? You might find it helpful to sketch a Timeline of Significant Events in Your Life: birth, childhood, education, training, career highlights, love, marriage, children, etc.

  5. What are some of your life’s turning points and special memories—your proudest moment, your toughest challenge, your favorite job, changes you’ve seen, etc.

  6. Which world events affected your life most when they occurred? In what way?

  7. What items from popular culture influenced your life most—books, movies, music, sports, etc.?

  8. Who are the people, both famous and ordinary, who have influenced your life?

  9. Did you or your family have any involvement in political or religious movements or military service? How did it affect your lives?

  10. Where have you and your family moved to or traveled to, and what is foremost in your memory about the places you’ve been?

  11. How have your feelings, beliefs, and/or ideas changed over the years: politically, socially, personally, morally, or in any other way?

  12. What is your message to your children, grandchildren, and future historians?
By Sharon Waldman, Family Chronicles

You can find the right personal historian for your needs in our Membership Directory.

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