Family archives
Prepare questions for a family oral-history conversation
A photograph, an old work tool or a recipe written in the margin can give a conversation somewhere to begin. Choose a subject the person wants to discuss and prepare a few questions that invite a story in their own words.
A text to start with
I would like to talk with [relationship, without a private name] about [chosen period, place or activity]. They have agreed to discuss it. We may look at [photo or object]. Suggest a short sequence of open questions and natural follow-ups. Avoid assuming they felt a particular way or that a family story is accurate. Include a gentle way to ask about an uncertain detail.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Family conversation planning sheet
Subject the person wants to discuss: [ ] Photo or object to begin with: [ ] Opening question: [ ] Follow-up about a specific moment: [ ] Detail to clarify gently: [ ] Topics to leave alone: [ ] Recording permission: [ ] Who may hear or read the result: [ ] Review preference before sharing: [ ] Question to return to later: [ ]
Leave room for their version of the story
Questions can quietly carry a family's preferred account of events. "Why did everyone love the old shop?" assumes a shared feeling. Ask what a day there was like and follow the details the speaker chooses. The Smithsonian's interviewing guide recommends preparing open questions and explaining how the interview material will be used. Decide about recording and sharing before starting. If a date or name is uncertain, preserve that uncertainty in your notes. You can compare it with other records later without rewriting the person's memory.
Ask another agent to check the result
Read these questions as the person being interviewed. Identify wording that assumes an emotion, a motive or a disputed family fact. Replace it with an open question. Check that the plan leaves room to skip a topic and that recording or sharing is not assumed merely because the conversation was welcome.
Make a small record after the conversation
Note the date, broad topics and any objects discussed while you remember the context. Ask which passages the person wants kept private and whether they want to review material before it is shared. Store the notes and recording where you can find them again, with the agreed sharing preferences beside them. Follow up on one interesting thread instead of trying to collect a whole life in one sitting.