Conversation guide
Questions to ask your grandparents
Your grandparents are the only people who can tell you what your family was like before you existed. The stories they hold — about your parents as kids, about a world without phones, about the people whose names you've forgotten — disappear the moment they do. Bring a recorder. Ask slowly.
Their world growing up
Open with the small, specific, sensory things. They unlock everything else.
- What did your street look like when you were ten?
- What did your house smell like on a Sunday?
- What did your parents do for work?
- What was your favorite meal as a kid? Who made it?
- What did people do for fun before TV?
Family history
These are the questions that fill in the family tree no one drew.
- Where did our family come from before this country?
- Who in our family do I remind you of?
- Who was the black sheep? The favorite? The peacemaker?
- What's a family story that almost got lost?
- What did your parents' parents do for a living?
Love and partnership
Ask how, where, when. They'll remember details you didn't expect.
- How did you and Grandma/Grandpa meet?
- What did you wear on your first date?
- What's the secret to staying married for that long?
- Was there ever someone else you almost married?
History through their eyes
Textbooks give you dates. They give you the feeling in the room.
- Where were you when [major historical event] happened?
- What's something the history books got wrong?
- What changed in the world that you never thought you'd see?
- What do young people today not understand about your generation?
What they want you to know
Save these for last. Let the silences sit.
- What's the best decision you ever made?
- What's something you wish you'd told your own kids?
- What do you want me to tell my children about you?
- What are you most proud of?
- If you could relive one day, which one?
Camilamy twin sister 
Errolmy dad 
Sun-heemy mom 
Vikmy chemistry teacher 
XinyiGirlfriend 
Lolamy grandmother 
Wenmy husband 
Margiemy mom 
Raymy dad
Don't just read about it. Start.
Preserve helps you collect the stories, voice, and lessons of the people who shape your life — whether they're still with you or not.
Preserve someone you love →