[YOUNG ADULT VERSION]
SAVE OUR STORIES PROGRAM
QUESTIONS FOR A ONE-HOUR INTERVIEW
Copyright 2010 Donald R. Snow

Last updated 18 Mar 2010
Return to the Personal Histories page, Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group Home Page , or Don's Class Listings Page .

Make sure the room is quiet, no phone, etc., and that the digital recorder is recording.

[5 minutes] -- INTRODUCTION

  • Introduce yourself and interviewee, date, and place of interview.
  • What is your name, birth date, name of spouse (if married), names of children (if applicable)?
[10 minutes] -- PARENTS
  • What country did your ancestors come from?
  • Do you remember any stories about why your ancestors came to America?
  • Tell me about your mother’s family. Can you tell me a story about your mother?
  • Tell me about your father’s family. Can you tell me a story about your father?
[15 minutes] -- CHILDHOOD
  • Tell me about growing up in your family. Where did you live? Describe your neighborhood.  How was it being an only child or one of eight, etc.?  Were your parents strict?
  • Tell me about your brothers and sisters.  How did you get along?  What would you do for fun with them?
  • What kind of games did you play?
  • Do you remember any childhood pranks you took part in?
  • Did you have any childhood jobs?
  • Tell me about going to school. Where did you go to school? How did you get there? What did you study? How did they discipline? Do you remember a favorite teacher? What was your favorite subject?
[15 minutes] -- YOUTH
  • Tell me about high school.  What activities did you participate in? 
  • Who were your friends? What did you do on dates?
  • Where did you go on vacations?
  • What were your family traditions?  What were your family's favorite meals?  Are there any special family recipes?
  • What role did religion play during this time of your life?  What about a mission?  Is that important to you?
  • What do you remember about historical events and inventions in your lifetime, e.g. tape recorder, computer, cell phones, the recession?
[5 minutes] -- CAREER
  • Describe jobs you have had.
  • Tell me about your ideas of what career you would like to pursue.  Why does this appeal to you?
  • What are your plans for further education, college, trade school, etc.?
[10 minutes] -- CHURCH
  • How did you join the LDS Church? Were your parents members?
  • What church service has been meaningful to you?
  • Would you like to share a spiritual experience?
  • Would you bear your testimony?
Return to the Personal Histories page, Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group Home Page , or Don's Class Listings Page .