Why Personal Histories

Why Personal Histories?

Genealogists and family historians spend countless hours searching for certificates, censuses, photographs, or anything that contains the tiniest bit of information about their ancestors. They want to learn more about the people they are related to. They fill out pedigree charts and family group records, and meet with distant cousins over the internet. All of this is done with a longing to know more of their roots. How many of them wish that their ancestors had left behind the story of their lives.

How many of us have taken the time to collect our own certificates, photographs, memorabilia, and life stories and compile them into a personal history to be cherished by our own posterity? Don’t leave a void next to your name, date, and place of birth on your family group record. Learn to write your own personal history, or help a loved one write theirs. The following story illustrates why I want to help others learn to write personal histories.

In 1993, I began to have strong feelings that I should complete my grandmother’s personal history. With three children under the age of five, however, logic suggested that it would be impossible to do so. I fought these feelings until I decided that if I prioritized each day and broke the project into small pieces, I could get this project done. My Grandmother Christensen was 81 years old at the time and in reasonably good health.

In September of 1993 I began working with Grandmother Christensen using the process explained in my new book, From Shoeboxes To Books: Writing Great Personal Histories. By December of 1993 I presented Grandmother with her personal history—200 pages of her life’s most entertaining, trying and typical stories, along with scanned memorabilia. I felt exhilarated, blessed, and my family was no worse for the wear.

Two months after her personal history was completed, Grandmother Christensen became very sick, and quickly went downhill mentally and physically. She called me more than once to say, "Amy Josephine, thank you for writing my history. I remember my life because of it." Prior to her death, she was mostly bedridden and kept the book on her nightstand looking at it almost every day. She was physically much like an infant and was so discouraged. She could not recall most of what we talked about in the oral history interviews. However, when she looked at her book, she saw the beautiful photo taken right before her wedding and rediscovered the events surrounding her courtship with her husband. She remembered the practical jokes of her youth. She read about her popularity as a speaker for youth groups. She remembered the remarkable feat of being a mother. She recalled the great amount of community service she rendered. But most of all, she remembered that she was a wonderful, giving, creative, bright individual and that she contributed much in her life. The book brought her great joy at this challenging time of her life. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of such a rewarding adventure.

No one knows how long they will be on the earth and in what condition they will be in tomorrow. Take the time right now to embark on the journey of writing your personal history. If you live for 20 more years, you can always add to your history. There has never been a better time than today to get started. Before you read any further, get out a pen, and a sheet of paper, and record a date by which your history will be completed.

My personal history will be completed by___________________________

(My recommendation is from 3 to 9 months)

It is my hope to teach you how to write and publish your personal history in a short period of time, by providing steps and suggestions that will assist you in producing a treasure for you and your family. Completing your personal history should not be a daunting or a frightening task. It will be one of the highlights of your life. Completing your personal history will allow you to enjoy peace knowing you have shared your life’s experiences, both challenging and uplifting, with those you love.

LET'S GET STARTED!

Please see From Shoeboxes To Books: Writing Great Personal Histories for tons of great information on the process of writing personal histories.