Who Still Remembers the Old Family Stories?
Capture the memories before it's too late
Behind each photograph in the family album, there is a story. Once our storytellers are gone, our history disappears with them. We have the power, through stories of the past, to enrich the lives of those who follow, to leave a legacy for future generations.
Audrey Tomaselli helps you and your family preserve the memories through recorded interviews, which are transcribed and crafted into a first-person narrative. The text is then combined with photos, letters and documents in an attractive volume for the family to enjoy.
"You have captured the treasure of this man's life. If only I had had the wisdom and thoughtfulness to have given such a gift to my elders before they passed on. Now those stories and histories are remembered incompletely, if not gone for good."
Sean O'Donnell, San Francisco
When contemplating a personal history project, people often remark: "I don't have anything interesting to say -- my life has been so ordinary," or "My family has already heard all of my stories; they won't be interested." Nothing could be further from the truth; the most understated person can be the source of the most valued memories.
Clients will often comment at the conclusion of a project: "I had no idea I was so funny!" or "I'm amazed at how my grandchildren are fascinated by my stories and how much fun it's been reminiscing during the interviews."
Read on to learn how Audrey can help you create your own personal history or arrange a project on behalf of an elderly relative or friend.
"I don't quite know how you got me to open up, but talking with you evoked memories, details, conversations that I hadn't thought about in fifty years. It was fun, but it was also therapeutic; I felt a kind of relief. I think it was because I felt comfortable with you. And we had a lot of laughs!"
CP, San Francisco
