Questions to ask Grandparents and Great-Grandparents

[JSGenealogy]

What are some Great or Important Questions to ask grandparents and great-grandparents about their Childhood and Parents? 

[iluleah]

I think the most insight I gained from asking my grandparents and great aunts/uncles anything was when they were telling stories about events in their childhood, very normal everyday things that are not in record form and also when looking through old photo albums with them as that is when the 'gems' surfaced.

I always found asking specific questions I received guarded answers.

[gazania]

From my experience, it is not a good idea to ask direct questions like "where did you go to school?". (Some older people are a bit shy about admitting they only went to a bush school till they were 13  or they were very unhappy at school) 

Instead it may be useful to discuss in general about schools eg present day with computers.  Then ask leading but very open questions about schools in the past.  Some older people are more chatty than others.

I see myself as a chatty Grandma and I have to be careful I don't bore my grand children with tales of the past.  My father was a chatter box but my Mum was more reticent hence we know more about my father's side of the family than my mother's although her side had interesting stories.

Best wishes, Gazania

[andrewalston]

I've found that the best stuff appears when they are talking with someone from their childhood. My mum's sister has been good for prompting stories - and they remembered different details, so the end result was richer.
When I got my dad talking with a chap who was in the same childhood "gang", I found out that they had been proper tearaways in the 1930s, rather than the staid characters they had become!

[Jomot]

A pub near me has recently launched a 2-hour daytime session each week where older members of the community can get together to share their stories & reminisce about the town in days gone by.  I've not been, but from what I've heard the group is getting bigger by the week and a great time is had by all.  The 'host' is a younger chap - very active in the community and also a local musician - and each week he turns one of the stories into a song.  How great is that?  The pub is very well named - it's The Storytellers.