Personal Historians bring value, expertise to the process

When attempting to obtain and preserve a relative’s life story, hiring a personal historian for the task may be your best course of action. Here’s why:

• Family members are often more open when talking to strangers.
• Personal historians are skilled at drawing out reluctant speakers and making them feel comfortable. Also, just knowing that a stranger is interested in hearing a person’s stories encourages him to speak.
• The storyteller will give more details if he knows that the person is hearing the story for the first time. These details can bring the story to life.
• When you interview your own family, you’re going to encounter family secrets, things you may not want to hear. When that happens, you’re going to have a difficult time masking your emotions. Personal historians are non-judgmental and are more skilled in remaining non-emotional and supportive.
• Most people need the motivation, structure, prompting, and encouragement that an experienced personal historian can offer. A personal historian will see the project through to completion and brings expertise in publishing or video production that family members typically don’t have. The result? A family keepsake to be treasured for generations.