10 Questions To Ask Your Grandparents About Their Old Photos

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10-questions-to-ask-your-grandparents-about-their-old-photosMy dad sent me these one-time photos of my granddad Gus recently. We all know "a picture is worth a thousand words," only a picture also raises a thousand questions! My grandfather Gus died when I was in 2d class, so I never really got to know him. That's why we should all consider these ten questions to inquire our grandparents about their quondam photos.

Over the years, I learned that my grandfather Gus moved to New York from Italy when he was six and was an illegal immigrant for many years. He had ii first names, neither of which were on his nascence document. He was a manager for Good Humor. I have so many questions about this photo that my dad sent me. Information technology can be difficult to talk to our grandparents about current things, especially considering many may have lost their short-term memory. Notwithstanding, asking them near their past by using former photos as chat starters ignites a spark in their eyes and opens upward the floodgates of retentivity. Suddenly, there is a chat happening that you never desire to stop! Even if your grandparent may not remember the conversation an 60 minutes from now, you volition forever. And you will tell your children all about them, considering doesn't everyone want to empathize where they came from?

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Let's swoop into the types of questions that are best to ask your grandparents about old family photos.

  1. Open-Ended Questions: these are the best types of questions to spark a conversation between you and your grandparent. Remember to be patient and avoid rapid-burn down questions. One simple, open-ended question is best. Examples would be, "What do you recall about this photo?" or "What do yous remember about when this photo was taken?"
  2. Location, location, location: Commencement asking questions like, "Where was this taken?," "What town?," or "Was this your habitation?" This line of questioning could evolve into more than detailed questions about the location, such as, "Did yous abound up there, fall in love there?"
  3. Information technology'southward all about people! Ask your grandparent casually to identify anyone they recognize in the photograph. "Who is in this photo?," "Is this you, grandpa, coming out of the outhouse?" "Who may have been there, but isn't pictured in the photo?" "Was your mom always around but hated her photograph being taken?"
  4. Let's give credit: Consider asking a uncomplicated question like, "Who took this photograph?" "Was it a professional photographer?" "Did you know they were taking the photo, and was this a big bargain?" Sometimes knowing who was behind the photographic camera is just every bit important as knowing who was in front end of the photographic camera!
  5. Show me the details: Mention something specific in the photo, such equally an object, and ask your grandparent about it. "Granddad, is that your 1960s Ford Mustang?," "Grandpa, what make of cigar is that hanging from your mouth?" "What is that outfit you lot're wearing?" Attempt to help your grandparent ship themselves dorsum to when the photo was taken. Jog their retentivity gently with curious questions. I know would like to enquire my grandpa Gus why the outhouse is leaning!
  6. Take Time into Account: By asking your grandparents nearly old family photos, you start on a journey with them. So you need to take fourth dimension into account. For case, the time of year, the month, the day, and the flavor. "Grandpa, was this photograph taken during your favorite flavour?" "Do you recall if it was  hot or cold?"
  7. Why was this photo taken: Before cameras were so readily-available, photos were commonly taken during special occasions. And so, be sure to ask your grandparent nearly why a particular photo was taken! "Gramps, was this a special occasion? "Was information technology a holiday or birthday?" "Was is common to have photos taken?" Regarding the photo my Dad sent me of grandad Gus, I would like to know what occasion warrants a photo being taken of y'all exiting an outhouse.
  8. Initiate sensory memory: Inquire your grandparent what they remember about the twenty-four hour period or moment the photo was taken. "Was in that location music playing?" "What were your favorite songs?" If the photo was taken outside, what did it odour like? "Were there orange blossoms blooming?" "What did the cake taste similar?"
  9. A woman never reveals her age…except when it comes to family history: Knowing your grandparents' age in the photo tin can be very interesting. So, inquire them! "How onetime were you in this photo, Grandma?" "Was this before or later you met granddaddy?"
  10. Practice y'all have any more than memories about that day? One memory may lead to another! So, be certain to ask more questions. "Do you recall what happened after the flick, getting ready for the picture?" If I were lucky enough to be sitting with grandpa Gus talking to him nigh this photo, I would ask about the day the photo was taken, and was this supposed to be a funny photo? I would learn more about this human being with the cigar coming out of an outhouse, and perhaps I would acquire it wasn't fifty-fifty an outhouse. Just no one will ever know, because no one asked.

Discovering more about your grandparents' lives is often as easy as sitting downward with a box full of former family photos. Take fourth dimension to practice this soon, while your grandparents are able to tell you stories and share wonderful anecdotes about their babyhood. You will undoubtedly larn something special most your own story, likewise! After all, your story started before yous.

About the author:

Kate Arney-CiminoKate Arney-Cimino is the creator of GrandmaSays, a free app for families who take a loved 1 in a long-term care facility. Simply put, it's a tool to assist family unit members coordinate visits, communicate wellness updates, and archive memories with their loved one. Kate lives in Los Angeles and loves family history and old photos! You can notice her on Twitter and Instagram.