What is personal history?
Personal history is preserving the story of the life of an individual, family, neighborhood, community, or organization for later generations. That story can be told in words, pictures, videos, or a combination of all of these.
Personal history is not genealogy, or simply tracing a family tree, although it may involve some genealogical research.
Why should I write my story?
For yourself: Remembering events, individuals, and a past way of life declares that your life matters (“I was here!”) and assures that you won’t be forgotten.
For your children or extended family: Some day, your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or godchildren will want to know about those who came before them. Shared memories, and a shared identity, can help them get through difficult times. Wouldn't knowing how others in your family endured the Great Depression, moved forward after a tragic loss, started a business, or dealt with wartime trauma have helped you when you faced a similar challenge?
For your community or neighborhood: Your own story can contribute to a larger
understanding of a community or neighborhood, or may help recreate a community or
a way of life which no longer exists.
