Preserving Oral History

Main contributor: Thomas MacEntee

Preserving oral history is essential for safeguarding the rich tapestry of personal stories, cultural heritage, and historical knowledge that might otherwise be lost over time.

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What Is “Oral History” and Why Is It Important to Families?

Tracing and preserving family history often begins with a single story—perhaps one you heard as a child. Do you recall how captivating that story was? Was it the tale itself, or the way the storyteller brought it to life? Regardless of the reason, the story left a mark, and even if it hasn’t been recorded on paper or audio, it lives vividly in your memory.

In the 21st century, storytelling has reemerged as a cultural focal point, but its significance is far from new. Oral history and storytelling have been integral to preserving family and ancestral knowledge since humanity’s earliest days. Long before the advent of written language, and even as recently as the early 20th century when vital records were scarce, oral traditions ensured that family histories were passed down through generations.

Historically, many families designated one or more individuals as custodians of their stories. These storykeepers were entrusted not only with preserving the tales and their meaning but also with ensuring they were passed on to the next generation, keeping the lineage alive for the future.

Today’s technology offers unprecedented tools for safeguarding these legacies. We can not only capture the stories themselves but also record the voices of the storytellers, adding depth and authenticity. With countless modern options for preservation and sharing, these cherished narratives can now be safeguarded and celebrated across families for generations to come.

Getting Started – A Checklist for Family Oral History Preservation

To effectively capture and preserve your family’s oral history, adhere to the following structured tools, forms, and procedures:

Communication and Scheduling

Identify Interviewees and Objectives: Compile a list of individuals to interview, outline the reasons for their selection, and propose potential dates and locations for the interviews.
Establish Contact Methods: Assess the most appropriate way to approach the interviewee. For older relatives unfamiliar with you, enlist the help of a mutual relative (e.g., a cousin) to facilitate the introduction and arrange the interview.
Finalize Logistics: Confirm the date, time, and a distraction-free location. For virtual interviews (e.g., via Zoom), ensure technological familiarity and involve a "broker" if necessary.
Send Invitations: Clearly communicate the purpose of the interview, types of questions to expect, and logistical details.
Set Expectations: Explain how the interview will proceed, the devices to be used, and your preferred structure (e.g., one question at a time, with brief responses). Reassure interviewees that their natural storytelling style is valued over polished phrasing.
Prepare for Connectivity Needs: Verify access to wireless internet if required for cloud-based services or live uploads.

Recording Devices and Platforms

Familiarize and Practice: Thoroughly review instructions for all devices and platforms. Conduct practice sessions to ensure proficiency.
Bring Essentials: Carry extra batteries, chargers, or power supplies to avoid interruptions.
Plan for Contingencies: Develop a backup strategy in case of device or platform failure, recognizing the effort invested in scheduling the interview.
Ensure Comfort with Technology: Confirm that the interviewee is at ease with the recording setup. For those apprehensive about advanced technology, consider using a traditional-style phone handset with noise reduction capabilities.

Interview Questions and Prompts

Prepare Release Forms: Have both hard copies and electronic versions readily available.
Curate Question Lists: Draft a comprehensive list of questions and ensure accessibility in printed and digital formats.
Tailor for Older Subjects: Use large-print index cards or pages featuring one question at a time, paired with relevant images to evoke memories.
Provide Advance Access: Share questions beforehand to allow interviewees time for reflection, while discouraging rehearsed responses.
Utilize Photographs: Bring family photos to prompt storytelling and trigger nostalgia.
Group Questions by Theme: Organize questions into thematic categories, understanding that multiple sessions may be needed to cover all topics.

Sharing Methods and Platforms

Outline End Goals: While not mandatory before the interview, having a clear plan for the final product can reassure interviewees.
Evaluate Preservation Methods: Research and prioritize platforms and tools that balance ease of use with quality outcomes for storing and sharing content.

Follow-Up Materials

Express Gratitude: Send a thank-you note, email, or make a follow-up call to acknowledge the interviewee's contribution.
Offer Content Review: If publishing the interview, provide the interviewee an opportunity to review the material prior to release.
Transcribe Interviews: Utilize transcription software or services to create text versions of the recordings.
Share Final Outputs: Provide the interviewee with a copy of the final work, whether printed, digital, or in another format.

Interviewing Family Members

Interviewing a family member might seem simple at first glance, but securing their time and cooperation is often the most challenging step. Effective interviews require thoughtful preparation and skillful execution to ensure meaningful and insightful results.

Essential Guidelines for Conducting Family Interviews

Be Thoroughly Prepared. Ensure you have all necessary tools—recording devices, note-taking materials, and a list of well-crafted questions or prompts. Flexibility is vital, as unexpected opportunities for interviews can arise.
Seek Consent. Always ask for permission before recording or extending the agreed-upon interview time. Take a moment to explain how the recording tools work to ensure your subject feels comfortable.
Ask One Question at a Time. Use short, open-ended questions presented individually. Avoid overwhelming the subject with compound or lengthy queries.

Foster a One-on-One Setting. Conduct interviews individually to create an intimate environment, especially when addressing sensitive topics. While group settings can work for gatherings, ensure the subject is comfortable with the audience present.

Engage Through Grandchildren. Older relatives may find it easier to open up to their grandchildren. Let the younger generation ask questions—they are often irresistible storytellers.
Highlight Relationships. Pairing two interview subjects can yield a dynamic exchange of stories, revealing nuances in their relationship and shared experiences.
Incorporate Props. Use photographs and heirlooms to spark memories and elicit stories. Introduce these items gradually during the interview.
Avoid Interruptions. Resist the urge to interject or challenge inaccuracies. Jot down additional questions for later to maintain the flow of conversation.
Respect Their Version of Events. If the information conflicts with your research, do not argue or correct them. Focus on preserving their perspective, which can be contextualized during later analysis.
Manage Interview Length. Limit sessions to 45-90 minutes to avoid fatigue. Observe your subject’s energy and stop if they appear tired. The goal is to make the experience enjoyable and encourage future conversations.
Gently Redirect Tangents. If your subject veers off-topic, guide them back subtly. Having written prompts visible to both of you can help maintain focus.
Honor Time Commitments. Respect agreed-upon time limits. If needed, arrange a follow-up session rather than extending the current one excessively.
Frame Questions Openly. When addressing delicate topics, avoid leading questions. Allow the subject to respond freely before introducing additional context or corroborating details.
Value Silence. Pauses are natural as memories surface. Allow moments of silence without rushing to fill them—they can be edited out later if necessary.
Avoid Interrogation. Don’t overwhelm your subject with rapid-fire questions, especially about specific names or dates. Instead, revisit these details tactfully later in the discussion.
Focus on Your Subject. The interview is about the interviewee, not your expertise. Let their stories take center stage.
Transcribe Promptly. If transcription is part of your process, complete it soon after the interview while the conversation is still fresh in your mind.
Express Gratitude. Follow up with a heartfelt thank-you note. Acknowledging their contribution fosters goodwill and increases the likelihood of future interviews.

Sample Interview Questions

For many, the most challenging aspect of conducting an interview is crafting the right questions to ask. To address this, we present a curated selection of questions, organized by the interview subject's age range and thematic focus. Flexibility is key to a successful interview. To that end, each category includes an "Other Memories" section, enabling you to pose spontaneous questions that arise during the conversation or those inspired by your prior preparation.

Childhood Years (0–12)

Origins: Where and when were you born?
Interests: What activities did you enjoy?
Family: Describe your mother, father, siblings, and extended family (aunts, uncles, etc.).
Home Life: What was your childhood home like?
Education: What did you like about school?
Social Circle: Who were your friends?
Companions: Tell me about any pets you had.
Adventures: Share stories of early family adventures.
Aspirations: What did you want to be when you grew up?
Memories: Other notable moments from your early years.

Teenage Years (13–19)

Environment: Describe your town and surroundings.
Schooling: What did you like about school? What was a typical school day like?
Friendships: Who were your best friends?
Milestones: What was it like to learn to drive?
Self-Reflection: How would you describe yourself as a teenager?
Activities: What extra-curriculars were you involved in?
Work: Share memories of your first job.
Family: Describe your grandparents and their influence.
Historical Context: What major events do you recall?
Memories: Other notable experiences during your teenage years.

Adult Years (20–25)

Career: What was your first significant job?
Relationships: How would you describe your closest friends?
Residence: Where did you live?
Romance: Did you date or marry?
Family Life: Describe your immediate family.
Favorites: What was your favorite saying?
Technology: What new technologies did you use?
Travel: What was your favorite trip?
Historical Context: What major events do you remember?
Memories: Additional experiences from this stage of life.

Adult Years (26–40)

Transitions: How did your life evolve?
Environment: Describe your town and home.
Social Life: Who were your friends?
Exploration: What was the most interesting place you visited?
Family Growth: Share stories of births, deaths, and family additions.
Leisure: What hobbies or activities did you enjoy?
Favorites: What was your favorite car, and why?
Historical Context: What events stand out from this period?
Memories: Other notable moments from this phase.

Adult Years (41–55)

Role Models: Who did you admire during this time?
Politics: How would you describe the political environment?
Family Dynamics: Describe your family relationships.
Pastimes: What activities brought you joy?
Friendships: Who were your closest friends?
Travel: What was your most memorable vacation?
Reflections: What would you change about this period of your life?
Career: Share insights about your job.
Historical Context: What major events shaped these years?
Memories: Other moments from ages 41–55.

Adult Years (56+)

Family Legacy: Describe your family and its evolution.
Passions: What activities or hobbies do you enjoy now?
Highlights: What are your happiest moments?
Perfect Day: Describe what a perfect day looks like for you.
Living Situations: Where have you lived during this stage?
Future Outlook: What plans or hopes do you have for the future?
Family Wishes: What do you envision for your family’s future?
Life in Review: Reflect on your life by decades.
Travel: Share memories of your best vacations.
Historical Context: What events stand out from this time?
Memories: Other significant experiences.

Humor and Joy

Laughter: Share the funniest joke you’ve heard.
Moments: What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen?
Stories: Tell your favorite jokes and humorous anecdotes.

Philosophy and Beliefs

Life Lessons: What wisdom would you want to pass on to your children?
Values: What do you believe?
Guidance: What principles guided your decisions?
Self-Description: How would you describe yourself?
Reflections: Other philosophical insights.

Religion and Spirituality

Faith Journey: How have your beliefs evolved over time?
Upbringing: What religious traditions shaped your childhood?
Reflections: Share other thoughts on religion and spirituality.

Organizing and Producing Your Family’s Story

Preserving family history, whether through oral narratives or other formats, often poses challenges due to the sheer volume of accumulated materials. By employing structured and systematic approaches, you can ensure the successful preservation and accessibility of these invaluable records.

Take Inventory of Your Content

Effective organization begins with a thorough inventory. Regardless of your project's size, establish a system to track your materials. Implement a labeling method—such as color-coding by content type or using a numerical system—and maintain a detailed record in a spreadsheet or online document. This ensures you know what you have and can identify gaps.

Develop a Project and Task List

Turning an idea—like interviewing a relative—into a completed and preserved story requires planning and execution. Break the process into actionable steps. Use a spreadsheet to create a detailed project plan, outlining each task, and marking progress as you go. This method is equally effective for broader projects, such as preserving an entire family story.

Modularize the Story with Storyboarding

Storyboarding is a proven technique for structuring narratives. Divide the story into manageable segments—such as background, life in the homeland, preparations for migration, the journey, and the new beginning. This approach allows flexibility in organizing and refining the story. Traditional index cards work well for this purpose, and digital alternatives offer additional convenience.

Utilize Timelines

Timelines are invaluable for contextualizing individual stories within a broader historical framework. They help organize facts chronologically and highlight parallel historical events, enriching your family narrative. Many timeline tools allow you to export the finished product as an image for inclusion in your preserved history.

Expanding Family History Through Multi-Sensory Documentation

In the modern era, family history research is no longer confined to oral accounts or traditional written records. The 21st century emphasizes multi-dimensional, multi-sensory approaches to storytelling, offering new ways to preserve and understand family narratives.

Preserving Old Home Movies, Audio Recordings, Slides, and Videos

Many families possess a wealth of media—home movies, slides, video tapes, and audio recordings—containing invaluable memories. These treasures, often stored away, can become inaccessible as the technology to play them becomes obsolete. Converting these materials into modern formats is essential for preservation and accessibility.

You have two main options for media conversion: do-it-yourself (DIY) or professional services.

DIY Conversion

Pros:

Cost-effective, especially for small-scale projects.
Allows immediate review of content during or after conversion.

Cons:

Requires the purchase of specialized equipment, like scanners for negatives, which may only be used once.
Demands technical skills to achieve high-quality results.

Professional Conversion Services

Pros:

Expertise in handling and converting media ensures superior results.
Efficient for large volumes of items.

Cons:

Costs can become prohibitive for extensive collections.
The ability to review results only after completion.

Numerous vendors offer conversion services, including major retailers such as Costco, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, both online and in-store. Before entrusting your media, research vendors thoroughly, seek references, and confirm their expertise. A comprehensive list of reputable conversion providers is included in the Resources List at the end of this guide.

Photos and Images as Storytellers

Photographs are powerful storytelling tools. Proper preservation begins with creating high-resolution digital scans. Follow these best practices:

Prepare the Scanner: Clean the scanner glass before each use to avoid dust and smudges.
Align Photos Carefully: Position photographs accurately on the scanner to minimize the need for post-scan adjustments.
Preserve Original Albums: Scan scrapbook pages and magnetic photo album sheets intact to avoid damage. Crop individual images digitally.
Use High Resolution: Scan at a minimum of 300 dpi; 600 dpi is preferred for optimal detail.
Maintain a Master File: Save an unedited “MASTER” copy of each image. Perform edits on duplicate files to preserve the original.
Block Ambient Light: Place a dark cloth over the photo during scanning to enhance clarity.
Employ Archival Materials: Store originals using acid-free, archival-quality storage to prevent deterioration.

Preserving the Uncommon and Unexpected

Family history is rich with overlooked treasures. Items often dismissed as mundane can provide valuable context to family stories. Consider preserving these artifacts:

Address books
Bills, receipts, and invoices
Church or synagogue announcements and flyers
Cookbooks and recipe cards
Military medals, patches, and memorabilia
Postcards and correspondence
Textiles like quilts, doilies, and embroidery
Work-related items, including newsletters, pins, and retirement mementos

When scanning or photographing, remember to capture all details, including reverse sides and inside covers of printed materials. Each piece adds texture and depth to the family narrative.

Innovate Your Approach to Storytelling

Who says you must rely on traditional methods to share and preserve your family's oral history? Memories are often sparked by sight, sound, and even smell. Embrace creativity with these compelling approaches:

Heritage Cookbooks

Does your family treasure recipes or holiday dishes steeped in tradition? Use a self-publishing platform to compile these recipes alongside family anecdotes linked to the dishes. Add photographs to enhance the stories, and produce an online or printed cookbook that will become a cherished keepsake.

Photo Books

Print-on-demand platforms allow you to create stunning photo books. Incorporate digitized photos, transcriptions of family interviews, and captions to craft a personalized heirloom that family members will proudly share for generations.

Custom Gifts

Family photos are more than images; they spark stories and connections. Transform these photographs into unique gifts—think coasters, calendars, or wall art. Platforms like Pinterest offer inspiration for meaningful, conversation-starting keepsakes.

Privacy Concerns in Oral History and Family Stories

The preservation, collection, and sharing of family oral histories offer significant benefits, especially with the variety of digital tools now available. However, these efforts also come with potential challenges related to privacy, particularly for living family members. Below is a detailed guide to navigating these concerns while maintaining respect for individual privacy rights in your oral history projects.

Publication vs. Privacy

To preserve privacy, it is crucial to determine whether your final project will be published (e.g., in video, audio, book, blog, website, or social media) or kept private. Even with clear intentions, the future use of collected content can be unpredictable. For instance, a family reunion book may later inspire online publication. To mitigate risks, always secure permission before conducting interviews or collecting photos and documents—even if publication isn’t initially planned. Securing consent upfront prevents complications if individuals become unreachable or pass away.

Documenting the Process

For family historians, maintaining transparency and accuracy is essential, especially if the work will be shared publicly. To safeguard yourself and participants:

Stick to factual details, noting the source of each story.
Clearly document the "who, what, where, and when" of each account, much like journalistic standards.
For anecdotal or exaggerated narratives, use disclaimers such as, “As told to me by [source]…” or “The story passed down through the family suggests…”
Avoid inserting personal opinions or interpretations.

Guidelines for Preserving Stories While Protecting Privacy

Treat Living Persons as Private Individuals

Just as genealogy software obscures sensitive details about living individuals, oral history projects should follow similar principles. When publishing, avoid sharing specific data—such as birth or marriage details—that could compromise identity security.

Obtain Signed Release Forms

For large projects involving multiple participants, such as community memory initiatives, signed release forms can provide critical protection. While it may seem excessive for small family projects, releases offer legal security if the material is later published. Customize a release form to suit your project’s needs, specifying permissions for recording, use, and publication.

Request Permission for Photos and Recordings

Ensure explicit consent before using photographs, recordings, or other materials provided by family members. Specify how these materials will be attributed and credited, whether the project is public or private.

Handle Sensitive Stories with Care

Stories involving delicate topics, such as domestic violence, abuse, or criminal activities, require special consideration. If these stories involve living individuals, it may be prudent to withhold them from public sharing. However, preserving these narratives can still be achieved by:

Documenting them in written, audio, or digital formats.
Storing them securely with estate planning documents.
Including clear instructions regarding their future use, specifying when and how they may be shared.

Oral history projects can be a meaningful way to preserve family stories for future generations. By proactively addressing privacy concerns and securing permissions, you can create a lasting legacy that respects the rights and dignity of all participants. Balancing transparency with sensitivity ensures your work honors both the past and the present.

Best Practices for Preserving Oral History Data

To ensure the longevity and accessibility of your oral history recordings, follow these authoritative guidelines:

Create Multiple Backups: Redundancy is critical for safeguarding your data. Store audio files in multiple locations to minimize the risk of loss. Export and save your files to various mediums, such as cloud storage services, flash drives, and CDs/DVDs. Diversifying your storage methods ensures long-term protection.
Future-Proof Your Files: Use modern, widely supported file formats for audio recordings (e.g., MP3, WAV) to ensure compatibility with current and future technologies. Avoid obsolete media like diskettes; instead, rely on accessible storage solutions such as cloud platforms or external hard drives.
Transcribe Your Interviews: While hearing a family member’s voice is irreplaceable, transcription provides a vital safeguard against the loss of oral narratives. Written transcripts also make the content more searchable and accessible for research or publication.
Preserve the Legacy Chain: Plan for the continued stewardship of your collected history. Designate a family member or trusted individual to inherit and maintain your archives. Alternatively, consider donating materials to a local historical or genealogical society to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Conclusion

As the methods for gathering and preserving family stories and oral histories have evolved, so too will your approach to this meaningful endeavor. By acknowledging the importance of safeguarding your family’s legacy, you have already taken a significant step toward ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Commitment is Essential. Preserving your family’s history in any format demands dedication and passion. Appreciate the value of every element, especially oral history, and strive to inspire future generations with the same enthusiasm for family heritage that you hold today.

Cultivate Curiosity. Go beyond simple detective work to uncover how your family has preserved its memories over time. Embrace emerging tools to safeguard these treasures, ensuring that outdated formats are converted and your family history is "future-proofed."

Harness Creativity. Engage family members—particularly those who may not yet share your passion—by finding innovative and captivating ways to present and share your family’s story. Creativity fosters connection and interest.

Find Contentment. Recognize the significance of what you are doing. While your ancestors may not have been world-famous, their lives and stories are invaluable. Elevate them to celebrity status within your family, and take pride in your role as the steward of their legacy. Your efforts ensure their memories will endure for generations to come.

Explore more about preserving oral history

DeepStory — Make your family photos speak at MyHeritage
Tell Better Family Stories with MyHeritage on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
Telling Your Family’s Story with MyHeritage’s AI Features webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars