Memory-Joggers for a Personal History
About grandparents:
What do you know or remember about your grandparents or great-grandparents? Where did they live, and if you visited them or lived near them, what do you remember about that? If you can remember being with them, what scenes come to mind? Do you picture them doing anything? What did you do with them? Do you remember any of their favorite sayings? Did they help you in any way? Are there photos of your grandparents/great-grandparents that you could include in a book or video?
About parents:
Same as above. You might have heard the story about how they met. What scenes come to your mind when you think of them? What would you like your children and grandchildren to know about them?
About others:
Who were some of the other significant adults in your life when you were young, and what can you tell about them? Can you talk about any things they did, or stories they told?
Your early years:
What memories do you have from ages 0 to 13? Where did you live? Go to school? Favorite subjects/teachers? Playmates? Pets? Favorite games/pastimes? Reading? Television/radio shows? Vacations? Did you work/have chores? What was your neighborhood like? How did you spend holidays? What memories do you have of church? Scouts? Do you have memories of national or world events…or local events that affected you?
Siblings:
What memories do you have of them? What are some things you did together?
High School/College/Young adult:
Describe your high school years. Favorite subjects / teachers. Friends / siblings. Activities / sports. Favorite music / movies / radio / TV / books. What did you want to be when you grew up? What are significant differences between life then and life now? Did you do anything that got you into trouble? What memories do you have of church? How did you learn to drive…what kind of car did you drive? After high school…describe college years, first job(s), military service. Did you meet your spouse during this time? How? Do you have memories of national or world events during this time?
20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s 70s:
What were you doing and thinking about during each of these decades of your life? What big decisions did you make and why did you make them? Do any particular scenes or people come to mind? Tell us about your romance(s), work, family and community involvement. How did you celebrate holidays? Do you remember any special occasions or trips?
What lessons have you learned from your experiences? What have you done that you are most proud of? What are some of the big changes you’ve seen in your lifetime?