150 Questions to Ask Family Members Before They Pass On

Well-crafted, open-ended questions can yield fruitful results when you interview family for purposes of family history. The following is an outline of questions you may want to consider. Take time to tailor the questions to the person you are interviewing.

When you are ready to conduct an interview, have the questions in front of you to make sure you are getting the information you desire. Conversations about family can go many directions. When possible, record the interview on audio or video.

1. What is your full name and why were you named that? (Include maiden name for women.) 
2. Were you named after someone else? 
3. Did you have a nickname when you were growing up? If so, what was it and why were called that? 
4. Have you had any other nicknames as an adult? 
5. What do your family members call you now?