Write Your Family History

Have you ever wondered how your ancestors lived or what profession they pursued? Do you wonder why no one ever wrote your family's history or an autobiography? Perhaps it's for the same reason you haven't done so.

Or maybe you think, "Who would care?" All of these are excuses for not writing your memories, but none are legitimate reasons. So, cast those fears aside and find out how you can begin to write about your family history.

Different Ways to Write a Family History

So you think you aren't a writer. Are you a storyteller? Can you carry on a conversation with a friend and relate some of your experiences? If so, you can write your memories. If you find it too difficult to write, you can use a tape recorder and "talk" your stories and memories.

There are many ways to write a family history. The first method most people think of is "Genealogy," which involves a lot of research and chart-making. The next method is the "Autobiography," which consists mainly of one person writing his or her own personal story. "Memoir" writing is similar to the autobiography. "Reminiscence" writing is another method that can incorporate parts of all the others.

Reminiscence writing takes very little research, since you will write mainly from your memories. You don't even have to start at the beginning. Get a looseleaf notebook to jot down memory stories. This method gives you the freedom to write whatever comes to mind. Later you can go back and arrange the stories in order.

A family history written in the reminiscence style can also contain charts, photos, printed material such as deeds, certificates, newspaper clippings, and information on just about anything you care to add. Copy machines work well to copy that favorite photo if you have only one copy and you want to make several histories for family members.

Memory Recall

Most people ask how to get ideas for their memory stories. Several techniques can help you recall old memories. A trip to the attic is one way. An old trunk, photo album, diary, school yearbook, or memorabilia of any kind from the past will start those memories flowing. You will be surprised at the things you will recall once you begin to write.

Talk to older family members and ask them to help you recall events from your childhood. Play some old records. They will help you recall old songs, dances, school years, special dates, and events. Just think about one scene from yesteryear and watch how it leads to another and another. The more you write, the easier it becomes. Be prepared to end up with a lot of material for your family history, because the stories just keep coming once you decide to write.

That's why a looseleaf notebook is so handy. It allows you to expand and fit a story into the middle. Don't worry about proper grammar or spelling while you are writing. Just get your thoughts down on paper. When you are finished, you can go back and correct word usage and spelling. Even great writers have to edit their work before being published. Don't be intimidated by grammar.

You don't have to be a famous person to write your family history. All of us have lived through many changes during our lives; wouldn't it be nice for our future descendants to be able to read about those changes from our own viewpoints? Words last forever!

Resources

Should you need help in writing your family history, the library has books on the subject. Check out the genealogy section and ask your librarian to locate books such as the following:

Alessi, Jean, and Miller, Jan. Once Upon a Memory. (Whitehall, VA: Betterways Publications, Inc., 1987)

Borg, Mary. Writing Your Life. (Fort Collins, CO: Cottonwood Press, 1989)

Evans, Fanny-Maude. Changing Memories into Memoirs. (New York: Harper & Row, 1984)

Gouldrup, Lawrence P., Ph.D. Writing the Family Narrative. (Salt Lake City, UT: Ancestry, 1987)

Gouldrup, Lawrence P., Ph.D. Writing the Family Narrative Workbook. (Salt Lake City, UT: Ancestry, 1993)

Neubauer, Joan R. From Memories to Manuscript: The Five-Step Method of Writing Your Life Story (Salt Lake City, UT: Ancestry, 1994)

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