A family history interview preserves a person's account in their own words. Prepare a few open questions and a reliable recording method, then let the conversation develop naturally.
A practical way to begin
Agree on the purpose, audience and recording method before starting, including whether the narrator can review the result.
Choose a quiet setting and test a short recording with the speaker in place.
Begin with familiar topics and ask one open question at a time, allowing pauses.
Save the original recording, label it with the date and participants, and make a separate backup.
For example
Ask about the route to school or a familiar family meal, then follow a detail the narrator mentions instead of rushing to the next question.
What to avoid
Do not treat the question list as a test. The narrator can skip a topic, pause or stop, and personal recollections may differ from other records.
Should I keep the original material?
Yes. Keep an untouched source and work with copies. A finished album, transcript or edited video serves a different purpose from the original material. Check that your saved copies open, and keep important context such as names and dates alongside them.
Related family guides
- How to Ask Permission Before Recording a Relative's Story
- How to Save an Unedited Copy of a Family Interview
A personal keepsake, if it fits your plans
If a short personal voice message fits the occasion, you can explore the Record-a-Message Christmas Tree. Choose the words with the speaker and keep any longer recordings separately.
