What is a personal history and why is it important?

A personal History is more than genealogy, more than dates or names on our family tree. Learn more.

A personal history records the stories of life in words and images. It creates a vivid portrait in sharp detail.  This story can be:

1. A history of an individual life in part or in whole. A Life history or memoir.

2. A family history brought to life through the stories, statistics and documentation already exists but not in    one collection.

3. The history of a community, business, group or organization through the stories of the people involved.


Why is a Personal History Important?

We don’t think our own lives are very important, who would want to know our story? 

Mark Twain said-

“There was never yet an uninteresting life.
Such a thing is impossibility.
Inside the dullest exterior there is
A drama, a comedy, and a tragedy”

So what can I do  to preserve the information I have accumulated or that I have access to:

What are personal history possibilities? 

• Audio Histories- recorded audio

• Video Histories- taped interviews that may include special interests or accomplishment of the individual.
  
• Printed works.  Through an interviewing process. A manuscript that puts interviews into a compelling story.  A printed manuscript supported by photos and family documents.

• Multi-media Histories- collection of stories in a variety of medias, video, print, photo archives.

•  Ethical Legacy- a document presenting and preserving one’s philosophies, values and advice.

• Memorials- a  tribute to the life of a loved one.  Remembering the stories of loved ones gone is a joyous endeavor you can do today.

How can a Personal Historian Help?

1.    Where to start? Project management.
2.    Determine the goal of the project.
3.    Neutral listener- non family member
4.    Trained to elicit comprehensive stories and preserve them.

How much does it cost?
Depending on the extent of the project.  Each project is truly unique

How long does it take?
Again it depends.  A production timeline is an option it timing is an issue due to an illness or event date.

What is a personal history and why is it important?

A personal History is more than genealogy, more than dates or names on our family tree. Learn more.

A personal history records the stories of life in words and images. It creates a vivid portrait in sharp detail.  This story can be:

1. A history of an individual life in part or in whole. A Life history or memoir.

2. A family history brought to life through the stories, statistics and documentation already exists but not in    one collection.

3. The history of a community, business, group or organization through the stories of the people involved.


Why is a Personal History Important?

We don’t think our own lives are very important, who would want to know our story? 

Mark Twain said-

“There was never yet an uninteresting life.
Such a thing is impossibility.
Inside the dullest exterior there is
A drama, a comedy, and a tragedy”

So what can I do  to preserve the information I have accumulated or that I have access to:

What are personal history possibilities? 

• Audio Histories- recorded audio

• Video Histories- taped interviews that may include special interests or accomplishment of the individual.
  
• Printed works.  Through an interviewing process. A manuscript that puts interviews into a compelling story.  A printed manuscript supported by photos and family documents.

• Multi-media Histories- collection of stories in a variety of medias, video, print, photo archives.

•  Ethical Legacy- a document presenting and preserving one’s philosophies, values and advice.

• Memorials- a  tribute to the life of a loved one.  Remembering the stories of loved ones gone is a joyous endeavor you can do today.

How can a Personal Historian Help?

1.    Where to start? Project management.
2.    Determine the goal of the project.
3.    Neutral listener- non family member
4.    Trained to elicit comprehensive stories and preserve them.

How much does it cost?
Depending on the extent of the project.  Each project is truly unique

How long does it take?
Again it depends.  A production timeline is an option it timing is an issue due to an illness or event date.