How to Interview Elders

Elders hold a wealth of knowledge and stories. Once they are gone, their stories disappear with them. We need to preserve and share their stories—not only to honor their memory but also to learn about them and, in turn, about ourselves.

Has anyone ever told you that you laugh like your mom or that you sound just like her on the phone? Do you know why?

Our grandparents, great-grandparents, tía abuelas, and other elders have invaluable experiences and wisdom to share. Listen closely and be patient. Always ask for permission before asking questions, and be sure to write down or record their answers.

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The Interview

You can conduct your interview in various ways. One option is an in-person, face-to-face conversation with your relative. Find a quiet place for the interview, have your questions prepared, and choose a method to record their answers—either by writing them down or using an electronic device.

If you plan to use your phone to record the interview, ensure the sound and picture are working correctly and that your device has enough battery or a power source. If an in-person interview isn’t possible, consider conducting it over the phone or via Zoom.

Preparation is key. If your relative doesn’t remember the answer to a question, simply move on to the next one. You can always come back later and rephrase it. Listen carefully, and be mindful of sensitive topics—if they prefer not to answer, respect their wishes and continue with another question.

Your questions can focus on different aspects of their life, such as their occupation, hobbies, or experiences during specific periods. You can also ask about the entire family, including siblings, cousins, and other important relatives.

Take in all the information they share—you never know which details might inspire your story. It’s always best to keep as much information as possible. Start by asking for their full name and birthdate to document it for the record.

Many questions may lead to unexpected stories. Expand on their answers, adding details to make your storytelling more engaging and meaningful. If one answer sparks another question, ask it! Stay engaged and follow the conversation naturally.

📌 Note: Suggested interview questions can be found on the other side. Other Cultura Kit activity cards will guide you in developing your stories and even creating photo-illustrated books to bring them to life.

The opportunities for gathering and sharing traditions with loved ones gives us many opportunities to pass our stories on to generations new to the traditions and allow us to make new memories that will last a lifetime. Help SOMOS CULTURA Y MÁS keep those traditions alive by donating.

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The Interview

Here are some basic questions you can use when interviewing family members:

Family Origins & Childhood

Where were you born? Were you born in a hospital or at home? (Are there birth or baptismal certificates that can be copied?)
Were you named after a family member or a famous person? Where did your name come from? Did you have a childhood nickname?
What was your family like growing up? How many brothers and sisters do you have? What are their names and birthdates?
Did you know your grandparents? What were their names? Do you have any special memories of them?
Can you share a family tradition or activity from your childhood? What were holidays like at home? Which holiday was the most important to your family?
How did your family celebrate holidays and special events?

Family & Relationships

How did your parents meet? Why did they decide to get married? Where did they marry? What was the wedding ceremony like? (Are marriage certificates available?)
Do you have any family keepsakes we can look at? (Take photos if possible.)
Do you have any old family photos? (If so, take pictures or scan them for preservation.)

Home & Lifestyle

Where did you live as a child? What was your home like? Did your family move often, or did you stay in the same place?
Did you share a bedroom with your siblings? What was that like? Where did you sleep?
Did your parents both work? What were their jobs? Do you remember any stories about their work?
Who did the cooking in your home? Do you remember a favorite meal? Whose recipe was it?
What was your favorite free time activity?
What kind of music do you love? Can you dance? Did you have a favorite dance partner?

School & Growing Up

Where did you go to school? What was your school like?
Who was your favorite teacher? What was your favorite thing about school? What did you dislike most?
Can you share a memory from school that you will never forget? (If they graduated or went to college, ask about that as well.)
What was a typical day like when you were little?
What were you like as a teenager? What did you want to be when you grew up?

Work & Career

What was your first job? How old were you? Did you like the work?
What jobs did you have over the years?
Is there something you accomplished in your life that you are particularly proud of?

Love & Family Life

How did you meet your spouse? When did you get engaged/married?
Were you in love? How did you know?
What did you and your spouse like to do together before having children?
How did your life change when you had children?
How did you choose names for your children?

Life Reflections

Was there an event or time in your life that was especially meaningful to you? Tell us about it.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your life—something you want us to remember or know about you?

These questions can spark meaningful stories, helping preserve family history for future generations. Listen carefully, take notes, and record as much as possible to create a rich and lasting record.