Introduction

Every family has a story worth preserving—a legacy that connects generations. Capturing these stories ensures future family members understand their heritage on a deeper, more personal level. Whether through recorded interviews, video documentation, or written memoirs, there are many ways to safeguard these precious memories. Before my grandfather passed away, I had the chance to interview him about his life. I learned stories I had never heard before, and now those audio recordings are a treasured part of our family’s history. With RootsTech 2025 approaching (March 6-8), now is the perfect time to explore new tools and techniques for preserving family legacy through genealogy and oral history.

Why Capturing Family Stories Matters

Family stories bring history to life, turning names, dates, and places into meaningful connections with our ancestors. Oral history provides a deeply personal link to the past, allowing us to hear voices, emotions, and unique perspectives firsthand. Without digital preservation, valuable details and cherished memories may be lost forever. By recording and sharing these stories, we build a bridge between generations, helping future family members understand their ancestry, heritage, and generational connections.

How to Record Family Stories

There are many ways to capture and preserve your family’s stories, and the most important step is simply to begin. Conducting interviews with family members is a great starting point—choose a quiet, comfortable setting to encourage storytelling and ask open-ended questions about childhood memories, family traditions, and historical records. Recording these conversations using a smartphone or dedicated audio recording device ensures they are preserved for years to come.

Video documentation adds another layer of depth, capturing facial expressions, emotions, and personality. Consider filming family reunions, special gatherings, or dedicated storytelling sessions. Simple editing tools can help create meaningful keepsakes that future generations will cherish.

For those who prefer writing, journaling is a valuable way to document memories. Encourage family members to jot down their stories in a journal, using prompts such as "Describe your childhood home." These written memories can later be compiled into a photo book, enhanced with photos to create a richer narrative.

Tools & Resources for Preserving Stories

• FOREVER Storage®: Securely save audio recordings, videos, and scanned journals for digital preservation.

• FamilySearch & Ancestry: Attach stories to family tree profiles for easy sharing.

• Voice Memo Apps: A quick and convenient way to record memories on the go.

Making It a Family Tradition

Incorporating storytelling into family traditions ensures that memories continue to be shared and preserved. Set up regular storytelling sessions during family reunions, holidays, and milestone celebrations. Encourage younger generations to participate by asking questions and showing interest in their family history. Just like an heirloom, a recorded story or preserved photo can become a treasure passed down for generations.

RootsTech 2025: Learn More About Preserving Your Legacy

Join virtual and in-person sessions at RootsTech 2025 to deepen your knowledge of family history and genealogy. Virtual sessions are free, making it easy for anyone to participate from anywhere. Gain valuable insights from experts on best practices for capturing and preserving memories, and discover new tools and technologies that can enhance your memory-keeping efforts. Visit RootsTech.org for event details and resources.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Start today—record an interview, write down a memory, or digitize old family records. Your family's legacy deserves to be protected. Preserve your family's memories permanently with FOREVER Storage®, ensuring these stories live on for generations. Need help? Reach out today, and let’s work together to protect and share your family’s history and heritage.