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    Family History Interview

    Capture stories before they're gone.

    Tools (FREE)

    • Phone Voice Memos — record audio.
    • StoryCorps app — interviews + Library of Congress archive. FREE.
    • Otter.ai — record + auto-transcribe. FREE tier.
    • Zoom recording — for distant elders.
    • FaceTime + screen recording — iPhone.
    • 30-60 min sessions, multiple visits.

    Best questions

    • Tell me about the home you grew up in.
    • What did your family do on Sundays?
    • What did you want to be when you grew up?
    • How did you meet [spouse]?
    • What was [historical event] like for you?
    • What's a story you wish you had asked YOUR grandparents?
    • What's the hardest thing you've ever overcome?
    • What do you most want grandchildren to know?
    • What family traditions should continue?

    Setup tips

    • Quiet room.
    • Mic close (phone mic 2-3 feet).
    • Test recording first — 30 seconds.
    • Comfortable chair, water nearby.
    • Bring photos to spark memories.
    • 30-45 min = optimal — fatigue sets in.
    • Multiple short sessions better than marathon.

    Interview style

    • Open-ended questions: "Tell me about..." vs yes/no.
    • Listen, don't interrupt.
    • "Why?" or "How did you feel?" goes deeper.
    • Silence is okay — they're thinking.
    • Don't correct facts — record their version.
    • Sensitive topics — let them lead.
    • Take notes for follow-up questions.

    After the interview

    • Backup audio files immediately (cloud + drive).
    • Transcribe with Otter / Rev.com.
    • Send transcript to elder for additions.
    • Edit highlights to share at family events.
    • Compile into book with photos.
    • Shutterfly / Blurb photo books with QR code → audio clip.

    Don't wait

    Single biggest regret in family genealogy: "I should have asked Grandma when she was alive." Even a 30-min recording captures more than 100 photos. Start with oldest living relatives — even if they have early dementia, lucid moments are common. Schedule before holidays.