This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. The products that I advertise are the ones I believe in.

Discover the top 50 questions to ask relatives about family history. These conversation starters will help uncover forgotten stories and vital records for your genealogy research!

50 Questions to Ask Relatives About Family History

Spark conversations, uncover family stories, and build your family tree with purpose.

Why Talk to Relatives About Family History?
How to Approach Family History Conversations
50 Questions to Ask Your Relatives
Tips for Recording & Organizing Stories
Final Thoughts

Why Talk to Relatives About Family History?

The most powerful tool in your genealogy research isn’t always found in archives or online records — it’s your living relatives.

Talking to family members:

Preserves stories before they’re lost
Provides clues that lead to important documents
Helps fill in emotional and cultural context beyond dates and names

Whether you’re just starting your family tree or digging deeper, these conversations are pure gold.

How to Approach Family History Conversations

Before diving in with a notebook and 50 questions, take a gentle, curious approach. Here are some quick tips:

Pick a relaxed setting: Holidays, Sunday dinners, or video calls work great.
Ask for permission to record: Most people appreciate it, especially if it’s for future generations.
Be patient: Some memories take time to surface. Don’t rush!
Use props: Photos, heirlooms, or family recipes can help jog memories.

50 Questions to Ask Your Relatives

Use these questions as a guide — not a script. Start with a few, then let the conversation flow!

Questions About Childhood

What is your earliest memory?
What kind of home did you grow up in?
Who were your childhood friends?
What games or toys did you love most?
Did you have any pets growing up?
What was your favorite school subject?
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
What chores did you have as a child?
Did your family have any special routines or traditions?
What was a typical family meal like?

Questions About Family Life

What were your parents like?
How did your parents meet?
Do you remember your grandparents?
What were your siblings like growing up?
Did your family attend religious services?
Were there any family rules that stood out?
How did your family celebrate holidays?
What traditions did your family have?
Did you ever go on family vacations?
What was the biggest challenge your family faced?

Questions About Ancestors

Do you know where our family originally came from?
Were there any famous or infamous relatives?
Did anyone serve in the military?
Are there any old letters or journals in the family?
Do you know of any family heirlooms?
Were there stories passed down from earlier generations?
Did any relatives change their name after immigrating?
Was there ever a big move (state, country, etc.)?
Do you know of any relatives we lost touch with?
What do you know about your grandparents’ lives?

Questions About Traditions & Culture

What language(s) did your parents or grandparents speak?
Were there specific cultural customs in your household?
Did your family prepare traditional foods or recipes?
Was music or dance a part of family life?
Are there holidays we celebrated differently than others?
Was storytelling or oral history common in your family?
Were there any superstitions or sayings passed down?
How did your family handle weddings and funerals?
What values were emphasized in your home?
Did your family belong to any ethnic or cultural organizations?

Questions About Migration and Travel

Did anyone in your family emigrate from another country?
Why did they leave? What was their journey like?
Do you know what ship/train/plane they took?
Where did they settle first?
Were there any letters sent back home?
Did they ever return to visit their homeland?
How did the new place affect their identity or language?
Did they keep in touch with relatives abroad?
Were there challenges adjusting to a new country or culture?
What did they miss most about where they came from?

Tips for Recording & Organizing Stories

Once the conversation wraps up, it’s time to preserve and organize everything you’ve learned.

📝 Record audio or video: Use your phone or a free app like Otter.ai to capture conversations.
📂 Organize by surname or family branch: Create folders for different sides of the family.
📄 Use genealogy software: Tools like FamilySearch or MyHeritage allow you to attach stories to people in your tree.
📷 Label photos: Use names, dates, and places in filenames or tags.
🔗 Link stories to sources: Connect anecdotes to census records, immigration papers, or photos.

Want help staying organized? Read our guide on how to organize your genealogy research.

Final Thoughts

Your relatives are living libraries. Asking the right questions not only helps you build your family tree — it helps you understand your family’s journey.

So don’t wait. Pick a question or two from this list and call someone you love. You might be surprised what you learn!

Related Posts You’ll Love:

FAQs:

Q: What are the best questions to ask about family history?
A: Start with open-ended questions about childhood, family life, and ancestors. This helps uncover both factual and emotional details.

Q: How do I record family history interviews?
A: Use your smartphone’s voice memo app, or free transcription tools like Otter.ai. Always ask for permission first!

Q: What if my relatives don’t remember much?
A: Photos, recipes, or old letters can jog memories. Be patient and revisit the topic over time.

About the Author
At The Family History Foundation, we make genealogy fun, friendly, and beginner-friendly. Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiring stories and simple tips to uncover your roots.