Stories from elders.... Best way to keep?

[NikiM20]

I am fortunate enough to still have both of my grandparents. The stories they tell are fascinating to me. My grandfather grew up in a very small town and can tell childhood stories that are hilarious. Anyway, what is the best way to record these stories? DD does not appreciate this now, but I'm sure she will in the future.

 

[golfgal]

I would record them to a CD. Often the WAY the story is told is half of the story, plus you will preserve their voice. You could also do a transcript of the stories as back up. I would keep copies in a safe deposit box too.

 

[scrapquitler]

I am fortunate enough to still have both of my grandparents. The stories they tell are fascinating to me. My grandfather grew up in a very small town and can tell childhood stories that are hilarious. Anyway, what is the best way to record these stories? DD does not appreciate this now, but I'm sure she will in the future.

I would try to use my video camera and then make a DVD out of it.

 

[superme80]

My mom was able to get a lot of my grandparents stories on audio or video then transcribed them for future generations.

 

[walden]

A very good question. Oral history is so important. Be sure to tell them that.

I'd ask permission to record the memories in the way they feel most comfortable. They may freeze up before a video camera. If they do, try a tape recorder. Or ask them to write them out, or do a memory book.

"Life Review" is an interesting phenomenom. But please, do not push memories that they do not want to review.

Take copious notes anyway, with permission. Sometimes stories come naturally. And they are so very important. Historically as well as personally.

 

[AtlantaSue]

http://storycorps.org/

A good friend of mine just recorded an interview w/ her dad through Storycorps, and says it was a wonderful experience. A copy of the interview goes to the Library of Congress. If there is a location near you, I would recommend it.

 

[bgirldeb]

http://storycorps.org/

A good friend of mine just recorded an interview w/ her dad through Storycorps, and says it was a wonderful experience. A copy of the interview goes to the Library of Congress. If there is a location near you, I would recommend it.

That's so cool!!!

 

[wgwtgb]

http://www.abcdistributing.com/home...+rstory+journals&N=35&Nao=0&R=482261-5JRMGMT2

may not be exactly what your looking for, but i thought these were nice. I plan to get these for my kids to have the memeories

 

[NikiM20]

Thanks all!! I love all of your ideas

 

[C.Ann]

I would try to use my video camera and then make a DVD out of it.

A very good question. Oral history is so important. Be sure to tell them that.

I'd ask permission to record the memories in the way they feel most comfortable. They may freeze up before a video camera. If they do, try a tape recorder. Or ask them to write them out, or do a memory book.

"Life Review" is an interesting phenomenom. But please, do not push memories that they do not want to review.

Take copious notes anyway, with permission. Sometimes stories come naturally. And they are so very important. Historically as well as personally.

I like both of these ideas..

 

[DVCisME]

The sold something at Hallmark a few years ago, not sure if they still sell it. I believe it was called a Legacy Keeper. Essentially it was a MP3 player and a scrapbook/journal that asked questions and had places for photos.

I found it: http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/...arkSite/GoldCrownStores/GCS_LEGACYKEEP|stores