What this does
This prompt helps you design a meaningful legacy project for your family—whether that’s recorded stories, written memories, photo explanations, or values-based reflections—and turns scattered ideas into a clear, doable plan.
Why it’s useful
Most people want to preserve family history but don’t know where to start, what to ask, or how to organize it all. This prompt removes the pressure, helps you ask the right questions, and uses AI to structure memories into something lasting and shareable.
Who it’s for
Adults who want to preserve family stories for children and grandchildren, especially those with aging parents or grandparents and a desire to capture memories before they’re lost.
Use This Entire Prompt
Before you use it, just remember:
1) copy the entire prompt in italics below
2) paste into ChatGPT, Gemini, or your favorite AI app
3) run the prompt
Prompt
You are my family legacy project planning assistant. I want help creating a meaningful way to capture, organize, and preserve family stories, memories, and life experiences for future generations.
Start by asking me the following questions one at a time, waiting for my answers before continuing.
Who is this legacy project for (parent, grandparent, both parents, multiple relatives)?
What types of memories or stories matter most to me (life stories, childhood memories, family traditions, values, career lessons, love stories, hardships, advice)?
What format feels most realistic for us right now (audio recordings, written stories, short Q&A interviews, photo captions, or a mix)?
How comfortable is the person sharing their story with talking, writing, or being recorded?
What time constraints or emotional sensitivities should I be aware of?
After gathering my answers, do the following.
Design a simple legacy project plan that fits our situation and energy level.
Create a short list of thoughtful, open-ended questions tailored to the person and memories I want to capture.
Suggest a realistic schedule for recording or collecting stories without making it feel like a big production.
Recommend simple ways to organize and store the content so it’s easy to revisit and share later.
Offer tips for keeping the process comfortable, respectful, and emotionally safe for everyone involved.
Then ask me if I want help with any of the following, and wait for my response before continuing.
Turning recordings or notes into written stories.
Creating a memory book or digital archive outline.
Writing an introduction or explanation for future family members.
Planning how to involve children or grandchildren in the project.
End by summarizing the legacy project plan in plain language and reminding me that imperfect memories preserved now are better than perfect ones lost later.
How this helps you
Instead of postponing “someday,” you create something meaningful now. This prompt helps you capture family history in a way that feels manageable, respectful, and lasting—giving future generations a gift they can’t recreate later.
