12 questions for recording a grandparent’s memories

Plan a meeting, not a complete biography

A life does not fit into one interview. Begin with something familiar: a kitchen, a journey or an object. Suggest a short conversation and let the person decide whether to continue. Take notes instead if recording their voice feels uncomfortable.

StoryCorps suggests preparing a few subjects rather than covering everything at once; see its question-preparation guidance. The twelve prompts below are our own editorial suggestions.

Choose three of these twelve questions

1. Which sound began your childhood mornings?
2. Which kitchen object could you recognise with your eyes closed?
3. Which short journey did you know by heart?
4. What did you pack for a day away from home?
5. Which family expression do you still use?
6. Which piece of clothing reminds you of a particular person?
7. How did you organise an unplanned celebration?
8. What game could you invent without equipment?
9. Which detail of an old home would you like to show us?
10. Which recipe have you changed over the years?
11. Which object would you like to explain to the next generation?
12. What would you like to ask us in return?

You do not need twelve answers. One story may fill the whole conversation. Ask what else comes back to the speaker rather than suggesting the answer you hope to hear.

Separate recollection from documents

If a date seems surprising, do not turn the meeting into an interrogation. An album or document can be checked afterwards. Label the account with its speaker and make approximate periods clear.

Two relatives may remember an event differently. Keep their versions separately and attribute them. The journal records perspectives; it need not settle every family disagreement.

Offer choices again afterwards

Invite the speaker to listen before sharing. Ask whether a passage should be removed and who may receive a copy. Agreeing to speak beside a phone is not permission to publish a family interview.

Parent Journey uses short audio recordings. Keep one anecdote per memory with a descriptive title. A longer conversation can remain in your personal archives, with a reference note in the journal. Offer the speaker a readable copy if they want one.