 During this gift giving season, a gift certificate to record a loved one's life story makes for an especially meaningful gift. The gift certificate can be for a "do it yourself" (DIY) project, or for a professionally produced project---depending on your time and inclinations. I have seen many exceptionally moving DIY projects, including a cookbook memoir written by my niece about her grandmother, a video interview of my uncle conducted by a cousin and his teenage son, an audio taped and transcribed interview (an oral history) of another uncle conducted by another cousin, and many beautifully annotated scrapbooks created by friends. Like other hand made gifts, DIY projects have a unique charm. The problem DIY'ers often encounter, though, is actually getting these projects done. For example, as I have written about elsewhere on my website, I have deep regrets about never having gotten it together to chronicle my own father's life stories, despite the best of intentions. In fact, not having done this was motivation for me to launch a second career, assisting others with this task. If you are a determined and motivated DIY'er, though, there are all sorts of wonderful resources on the web and elsewhere to get you started. Probably the best place to start is to go to the Association of Personal Historians website. This is a link to their Getting Started page," http://www.personalhistorians.org/getstarted/, but check out the Resources page as well.  If you decide that you want to get professional assistance with creating a project, the same website contains a directory of personal historians, listing them by geographical area and services they provide. There also, of course, is the possibility of a hybrid project--a DIY project done with the assistance or guidance of a professional. Whatever you decide, remember that by chronicling the life stories of your loved one, you will be doing something very special--not only for your loved one, but for the entire family-- for now and for the future. |
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CategoriesFamily history, creativity, creative options family histories, cousins sharing family storiesFamily stories Fun things to do on Thanksgiving hanukkah family traditions, hanukkah traditions, memories of hanukkah, hanukkah activities, Holocaust recipes, Recipes Remembered: A Celebration of Survival by June Feiss Hirsch meaningful gifts, gifts that matter, do it yourself personal histories, life stories, oral history Passover memories, Easter memories, modern day exodus from Egypt personal history, oral history Personal history, oral history, holocaust testimonies, Columbus Jewish Federation, community service Pictures telling stories preserving memories for those with cognitive impairment, alzheimers reminiscence, life review, personal narratives in medicine,satisfaction in storytelling social service, hospice volunteers, Dan Curtis, Association of Personal Historians Thanksgiving activities Thanksgiving recipes, Heirloom Cookbooks, family history, recipes as family history Thanksgiving stories |
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