Memories Matter
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The questions we don’t think to ask
What haven’t you asked the people you love? One thoughtful question can lead to a story you never knew was there.
“Who listens to you?”
We are a world of talkers, but what we need is to listen, and to be listened to. Find inspiration from author Kate Murphy and personal historian Dawn Roode.
“People still buy handmade shoes.”
As AI gets better and more accessible, will there still be a need for in-person story sharing services offered by personal biographers and historians? Yes!
How to ask good follow-up questions in a family history interview
Five easy ways to get the best stories from your family member just by responding thoughtfully to their answers (hint: it starts with really listening!).
The power of a follow-up question
Whether you’re interviewing your parents about their childhood or gathering family history info from your grandparents, good follow-up questions are key.
“To be continued…”: When breaking up a family history interview is wise
There are a variety of reasons—including traumatic memories—when pausing a personal history interview is the best course of action. Give in to the silence if...
My 3 favorite opening questions to get a personal history interview going
Planning to conduct a personal history interview with a family member? Here are three effective first questions that guarantee their stories will flow freely.
The alchemy of story sharing: It takes two
Did you ever notice how joyful and empowering it can be to listen to someone else's stories? Magic happens when two people connect over story sharing.
Dawn Roode’s curated roundup for the week of Sept. 23, 2026, is overflowing with recent reads on memoir, life story writing, and family history preservation.