Blog
Better questions, and what to do with the answers
Everything here is written to be used in a real conversation, not read and forgotten. Print the lists. Cross things out. Ask the follow-up.
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How to Keep a Family History Project Going
I started this months ago and it has stopped. How do I restart it?
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Helping an Older Parent Write by Hand
My mother wants to write hers down but her hands will not let her.
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Family Tree or Family Stories: Which to Do First
Should I be building a family tree or recording what people remember?
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How to Interview a Family Member About Their Life
I have the questions. How do I actually run the conversation?
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40 Questions to Ask Your Parents About Their Life
What do I ask a parent I already talk to every week?
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52 Questions to Ask Your Grandparents That Get Real Answers
What should I actually ask, and how do I get past one-word answers?
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How to Record a Family Recipe and Its Story
She cooks without a recipe. How do I write it down before it is gone?
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What to Do With a Finished Family Journal
It is written. What do I do with it now so it does not get lost?
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How to Label and Preserve Old Family Photos
I have a box of photos and no idea who half of them are.
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Questions to Ask at a Family Gathering
Everyone is here at once. How do I get more than small talk?
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How to Write a Letter to Your Grandchildren
I want to write something for my grandchildren. What do I actually say?
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How to Write Your Own Life Story
I want to write my own story down. Where do I actually start?
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How to Ask About Difficult Family History
There is something in my family nobody talks about. How do I ask?
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Questions to Ask a Parent With Dementia
My mother has dementia. Can I still record anything of her story?
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How to Transcribe a Family Interview
I have the recording. How do I turn it into something readable?
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What to Do When a Relative Will Not Talk
My dad says there is nothing to tell. How do I get anywhere?
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How to Record a Family Interview on Your Phone
How do I record this so the audio is actually usable afterwards?
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How to Start a Family History Project
I want to record my family's stories but I have no idea where to begin.