Sometimes we learn our family history through the stories we tell. These stories are called oral histories and are a very important and fun way to learn about the past. Make sure your family stories are saved by having younger family members interview older family members. You might be surprised what you learn when you ask a family member to share their memories of growing up, moving, or work!

Studs Terkel interviews an unidentified woman, Chicago, c. 1960. CHM, ICHi-065437; Stephen Deutch, photographer

Important family history is preserved through the stories we tell. Explore your family history and pass your stories from one generation to the next through this easy interview activity. Share your story on social media using the hashtag #CHMatHomeFamilies

ABOUT THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

The Chicago History Museum is situated on ancestral homelands of the Potawatomi people, who cared for the land until forced out by non-Native settlers. Established in 1856, the Museum is now at 1601 N. Clark Street in Lincoln Park, its third location. As a major museum and research center for Chicago and U.S. history, the Chicago History Museum strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, publications, special events and programming, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other. To share Chicago stories, the Museum collects and preserves millions of artifacts, documents, images and other items that are relevant to the city’s history. The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.