Family Stories: Oral History to Written Record

Why write family stories? Family stories shape our impression of the world. Some cultures revere storytelling so much, they have designated storytellers–keepers of stories. The Icelanders have their Eddas, the Norse, their Sagas. In Western societies we have outsourced this position to TV and film makers. But there is something special about the cadence of words falling from the lips of someone who lived the tale. 

Listen 

No matter your age, ask your parents, your aunts, your uncles about their youth. If you are lucky enough to still have grandparents ask them to tell you their stories too. Someone said ‘every time an elder dies, a library burns down.’ In this age of selfies and face time and instant digital communication, stories center around the young, technologically proficient members of society. Stories feel temporary and are quickly forgotten. But there is a wealth of experience in the personal histories of our elders.

Engage

While listening to these stories of the past, ask questions to tease out details. What was the weather like on that camping trip? How long were you in that epic traffic jam? Who did you attend that concert with? What was your dog’s name? Each question can flesh out a long-forgotten story. Details often return in the retellings.

Laugh at the silly bits and commiserate at the solemn ones. Share your own experiences that dovetail with that of your elder. Family stories bring us closer. They help us understand one another. They enrich us.

Record

After you’ve listened and engaged with a storyteller, record what you heard. This can be in the form of written notes, video or audiotape. But go one step further. Reflect on what you heard and apply it to your own situation. Would you have reacted in the same way? Did you learn something about your elder? Did you learn something about yourself?

In these difficult times when whole populations are asked to shelter in place or stay at home to lessen the impact of COVID-19, listen, engage, and record your family stories. There are many fascinating stories waiting to be told. Sometimes your elders are just waiting to be asked.