As the holiday season brings loved ones back home to the Owen-Withee area, it's time to gather around the family dinner table and share stories that shape us. The Owen-Withee Area Historical Society, a dedicated all-volunteer nonprofit corporation, works to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of our community. This week, we invite readers to steer conversations toward the personal side of history — memories, lessons, and experiences that live within each member of the family.
Every person has a story, and the holidays are a wonderful opportunity to uncover and celebrate those stories. Whether you’re catching up with relatives you haven’t seen in years or simply enjoying a quiet meal with those closest to you, asking meaningful questions can help deepen connections and preserve family history for generations to come.
10 Conversation Starters for the Family Dinner Table
1. What are you thankful for this year?
2. What memories from your childhood make you smile?
3. Who has inspired you the most in your life?
4. What are you proudest of?
5. What is one lesson you’ve learned in life that you’d like to pass on?
6. How has the Owen-Withee area changed since you were young?
7. What family tradition means the most to you?
8. Can you share a story about overcoming a personal challenge?
9. What is your favorite memory or place in the Owen-Withee area, and why?
10. What advice would you give to the younger generation?
These questions are designed to open the door to heartfelt conversations, laughter, and maybe even a few tears — reminders that our personal histories are just as important as the broader stories preserved by the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society. As you gather with family this holiday season, take a moment to ask, listen, and cherish the stories that make your family — and our community — unique.
Keep a journal. Write your memories on paper. Share them with someone. The Owen-Withee History Center is interested in your story. Reach out to Allan Hodnett at ahodnett@aol.com or 414-840-0846.
The Owen-Withee Area Historical Society encourages everyone to become a part of the area’s living history. By sharing your experiences and listening to the memories of others, you help keep our collective past alive and meaningful. Happy holidays from your friends at the Historical Society!