If you’re having trouble getting started, these prompts might get your creative juices flowing: 1. What year were you born in and in what city?
15. What kind of games did you play?
2. Describe the personalities of your family members.
16. What did you want to do when you grew up? 17. What was your profession, and how did you choose it?
3. Of all the things you learned from your parents, what do you valuable most?
18. How did you meet your spouse? How did you know you were in love?
4. What do you know about your family surname?
19. List 10-20 facts most people don’t know about you.
5. Is there a naming tradition in your family, such as always giving the firstborn son the name of his paternal grandfather?
20. Did you ever get in trouble as a teenager, and how did your parents react?
6. Are there any physical characteristics that run in your family? Curly hair or big noses?
WRITING PROMPTS TO PASS ON YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Writing is a relaxing activity that stimulates the mind and helps prevent memory loss. It’s also a great way to document and preserve your lineage. If you don’t have a computer or just prefer to write by hand, purchase a large, durable journal or recording device (most of us have access to a recording “app” on our smart phones). Try to write at least once a week.
21. Did you have a pet? 22. Who taught you how to drive?
7. Are there any special heirlooms, photos, bibles or memorabilia that have been passed down?
23. What big world events do you remember from when you were growing up?
8. What stories have come down to you about your parents? Grandparents? Distant relatives?
24. What was your favorite toy where you were a kid? 25. How has fashion changed?
9. Are there any stories about famous or infamous relatives?
26. What is your most embarrassing moment? 27. What was your religion growing up?
10. Did you inherit any physical or personality traits from your parents? 11. What recipes have been passed down to you? 12. Where is our family originally from? 13. How did we get to be located where we are today? 14. What was it like when you were growing up compared to now?
28. If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? 29. What accomplishments are you most proud of? 30. What is the one thing you want people to remember about you?
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