Preserving the Past

How much do you know about your family history?

Most Americans can trace their

families to other countries. What is

your family’s “country of

origin”?

When did your family come to the

United States?

 Has anyone in your family served in the armed forces during any of this country’s

previous wars or conflicts?

 Is there a family trade or business that you associate with your family?

 

 Where did your Parents grow up?  

How did they meet?

 Where did your grandparents grow up?   How did they

meet?

 Is there a family home or birth

place?

     Are there family names that have

been used by several

generations in your family?

     Is there a story behind your name? Who selected your

name and why?

What are three family traditions that your family

observes?

What object and what color might represent your family? Why?

What are some of the family

heirlooms you have grown up with? Do you know the story behind them?

What are the things about your

family that you would like to

know? List at least three questions?

Use these questions to help guide you in writing your oral

history. Ask people in your family about the

answers you didn’t know. You may learn some very interesting

truths about your family history!

Credits: Photos from American memory

collections at http://memory.loc.gov/