Between Thanksgiving and the end of the year we spend a lot of time thinking about family, planning get-togethers, cooking and buying gifts – all for the ones we love best. As Americans we tend to focus on the future and not the past. But this is a great time of year to slow down and remember — and learn from — those we love.
There’s research that shows that children who know their family’s history – both the happy times and the challenging ones – are more resilient, confident and happy than children who don’t (see The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler). He calls it a “…strong intergenerational self. They know they belong to something bigger than themselves.”
![]() Mr. and Mrs. Gisellie Baker with (left to right) Cindy (2), Priscilla (3), Paul J. (2), Richard (2), Anthony (5). Photograph Courtesy of Faces and Places. |
“The most healthful narrative … is the oscillating family narrative. ‘Dear, let me tell you we’ve had ups and downs in our family. We built a family business. Your grandfather was the pillar of the community. Your mother was on the board of the hospital. But we also had setbacks. We had a house burn down. Your father lost a job. But no matter what happened we always stuck together as a family.’” –Bruce Feiler |
Should you decide to take part in a Family Oral History, here’s a few things to consider:
Keep others involvedStarting a family oral history project takes a bit of preparation and time. There’s a lot of things you need to think about so take some time to put together a plan. But you can do it with family or friends, so be sure to loop them in. Get help with curating photos, letters or other objects to enhance the interview. Activating the senses of smell, hearing as well as vision will trigger and enhance memories. Examples include: feeling a letterman jacket, smelling a recipe or touching a baseball — each may trigger memories in older adults.
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![]() Mrs. Leo Luebbe, and Leo Leubbe, 92, 547 Dudley Rd, Edgewood. Photograph Courtesy of Faces and Places. |
Define your projectThis can be a daunting task – so be sure to keep the first attempt small and doable. Keep it simple — maybe something you can document in a short book, family newsletter, or a video or audio recording.
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Mrs. Susan Isaac of Newport. Photograph courtesy of Faces and Places. |
Ask leading questions
The questions you ask are meant to get the conversation started. The questions should encourage a multi-sentence answer. Instead of “What town did you grow up in?” try “Tell me what it was like where you grew up.” Which could be followed by “How was growing up then different than it is now?”
Have a practice session with an older relative. Get comfortable with asking questions and using the equipment.
Recording the event
It’s a good idea to use audio-video for documentation. (If for no other reason that everyone there can relax and enjoy the stories being told.)
![]() G.L. Kuntz family. Photograph Courtesy of Faces and Places. |
Here are some places to get information on apps, equipment and ideas on how to conduct interviews:
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It’s possible to get the audio transcribed for free. One way is to upload the video to YouTube.com. They offer free automatic captioning. (You can review automatic captions and use their instructions to edit or remove any parts that haven’t been properly transcribed.
Of course, minimizing background noise will improve both the quality of the audio and any automatic transcription you get from it. If you have an AV junkie in the family, get them involved sooner rather than later!
When all is said and done…Have fun and savor the experience. “[Children] learn that families can enjoy the happy times and stick together during the tough ones. Perhaps, most importantly, they hear the stories that teach them what family is.” –Bruce Feiler There’s no right or wrong way to do this. It’s important that you and your family enjoy themselves! |
![]() Marilyn Frommeyer (63) surprised by her family on her birthday. Photograph courtesy of Faces and Places. |
Dawn Dutton, Library Associate, Local History and Genealogy Department – Covington Branch
Email: Dawn.Dutton@KentonLibrary.org
Cierra Earl, Local History and Genealogy Department Programmer, Local History and Genealogy Department – Covington Branch