When we are young, we think that the past is ancient times that modern society has greatly improved on. As we grow older, we begin to think that life was much better when things were simpler. Why is that? Of course, many people today may not go through that thought process. Sadly, fewer and fewer of us stop to talk to our elders and hear these stories of when they were young. As the holidays approach and we spend time with earlier generations, take advantage of the opportunity to talk to your grandparents, aunts and uncles and get a glimpse of what life was like before you were born. That is part of your personal history. Your family history.
Albert & Nellie Stevens (my g-grandparents) taken about 1905.
There are many oral history projects throughout the country capturing the stories of people’s experiences. These usually involve major historical events or veterans time in combat. All worthwhile efforts, but the everyday history of people sometimes gets lost. It may not seem like much now, but it is those stories that enable historians, interpreters and museums to help us get a glimpse of what everyday life was like in the past. I urge everyone to make an effort over the next few months to sit down with your elders and capture those stories. It’s easy to do today by recording them on your laptop or phone. Don’t just sit and listen, record them so you can keep them for generations.
Many years ago, my aunt received a cassette tape recorder for Christmas. In the weeks prior, the recorder was passed around from family to family so they could deliver a Christmas message. It was the only recording of my mother’s voice. She died just a few years later. Sadly, that cassette eventually wore out and we never transferred it to a CD. Today’s technology allows us to record and archive text, audio and video files in numerous places, most for free. Do so and preserve your family’s history for future generations. And the best part, you will enjoy the adventure of delving in to the past on a very personal level. And it is not your elders’ recollections of historical events, but their memories of daily life that are so fascinating. Here is a list of simple questions to ask to prompt some amazing stories.
- What was it like to go to school when you were young?
- What did your family do on Sunday’s?
- What do you remember about your first radio or television?
- What did you take for lunch to school or work?
- What was your first job?
- How often did you get new shoes or clothes?
- What did you do in summer when a boy/girl?
So, this holiday season, the best gift you can give yourself, your family and future generations is your family history. Start now before more is lost and you will enjoy the results for many years to come.
No responses yet