BIG questions, little questions...

The challenge of writing a life history about a family member, be it a spouse, parent, grandparent, or extended family member, is quite overwhelming. Where to begin? So many experiences, so many memories. When you can get a family member to sit still for more than a few minutes, ask some big questions like, "Where/when were you born?" "How many children were in your family?" "What do you remember about your childhood?" Have your relative elaborate and give specifics about these questions, like where was your first home, how many times did you move, what are your earliest memories of your home, etc.

One place to get some detailed questions to ask is from www.chipin.com/genealogy/family_history_questions.htm, entitled "Family History Questions."

To record your own memories, use these questions as prompts, and you'll fill up a notebook real quick! But what a great personal history!