Stories

SUCCESS STORY- My Grandma visited us recently and my dad suggested that I interview her about relatives that only she knew. She was not only willing to be interviewed, but was excited by the prospect. I had some questions that I prepared and then had her sit in a chair and answer questions as I interviewed her. I recorded our experience on my Dad's iPad. The first day, I interviewed her about her husband who had died more than thirty years ago. None of the rest of our family know him at all. We had a great time together and I loved getting to know more about my Grandpa. After our interview, I wrote a story based on the information I obtained. After I had finished my rough draft, I went through it with my Grandma and she helped correct it and complete it. I then easily added the story to FamilySearch as a life sketch of my Grandpa. The next day we discussed my four great grandparents she knew which did not take as long. I repeated the process of adding the stories to FamilySearch. This was a touching and fun experience that I loved doing. I built a memory with my Grandma that I will always treasure. Perhaps, most importantly, I came to love my Grandpa who I had rarely thought about before this project. How sad it would have been to have lost my Grandma without ever recording this information that only she possessed.
     --Hannah

Posting Stories is a very important service you can render for your family. We often neglect recording knowledge our loved ones possess before we lose them. Imagine what a rich experience it will be for you to interview a parent or grandparent and record short stories or biographies about specific ancestors they knew.

1.    Watch this short video about sharing stories with others, and then read this short article about stories and how to place them on FamilySearch.

2.    Watch these videos about the importance of stories:

a.    Turning Hearts

b.    Start with Stories

3.    Call someone who knows about one of your ancestors, ask them inspiring questions, and record their responses as stories on FamilySearch. Here are some possible questions you could use in your interview:

·      What do you know about his/her childhood?

·      When and how did you first meet?

·      Describe his/her family situation as a child.

·      Was there anything memorable about his/her high school years?

·      What do you know about the time between graduation and marriage?

·      Describe his/her post-high school education and his/her career.

·      What personal challenges did he/she face through his/her life?

·      Describe his/her marriage and family.

·      What were his/her feelings about religion or politics?

·      In what ways did you particularly respect or love him/her?

·      What are some of your favorite memories of him/her?

·      Tell me about his/her later years and death.

·      What do you wish everyone knew about him/her?

·      What traits did he/she have that inspired you?

·      What goals or aspirations did he/she have?