Village News

A series on recording your family history

How does it feel to be in the middle of something historic? I feel that this is the week that we settle more into the pandemic norm. Like a child halfway up the hill, realizing that this was harder than she thought, catching her breath, drinking some water and then saying ‘ok I can keep going.’ May we soon see the peak, but know there is still more to be done.

Please take this time to ask Eowyn Langholf’s 50 Questions for Interviewing Living Family Members. The second set of 25 questions are below and both sets will be on our website (mhv.ca). For children at home this would also make a great activity to do with their parents or grandparents. Such good questions!

Also check us out on Instagram (mhvillage) or search for Mennonite Heritage Village on Facebook and Youtube. We are providing special tours and events online and are part of the #museumathome movement. I’m sure you will find more stories and artefacts there that will trigger even more great questions.

Part Two:

• What do you remember hearing your grandparents describe about their lives?
• Do you remember anything about your great-grandparents? If so, what?
• Did you have any childhood diseases and what are the health issues in our family?
• Has anyone in the family been the victim of a crime or convicted of one? If so, can you share the story?
• Have you ever had surgery? For what?
• How is the world different now then from when you were growing up?
• How would you describe yourself politically? Liberal? Conservative? Why?
• Have you ever been mentioned in a newspaper?
• What wars have been fought during your lifetime? How did they affect you?
• How would you describe your sense of humor?
• What are some of your favorite hobbies? How did you get involved with them?
• What organizations or groups have you belonged to?
• What’s the most memorable moment of your life?
• What’s something you always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
• What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited and why?
• Who are some of your heroes?
• What did you do with your first paycheck?
• What’s your favorite holiday and why? What traditions do you have?
• What would you say have been some of the best inventions or advances you’ve seen in your lifetime?
• Have you had pets in your life? What were they like? Favorites?
• Who have been your closest friends through the years?
• What makes your family unique?
• What do you fear most in regards to future generations?
• Do you have a life philosophy to pass on to your descendants?
• What haven’t we talked about that you’d like to share?