From Past to Present: A Guide to Interviewing Elders & Preserving Family History

Imagine sitting at the kitchen table talking with your dad or beloved auntie. What anecdotes will they share about their lives and the sagas of your ancestors? Are you a caregiver wanting to document the interesting tales you are told while you work?

This is your opportunity to gather family stories and history.

Perhaps you want to interview a grandparent, teacher, or colleague - someone with insight, experience, and wisdom. For Mitch Albom, author of the New York Times best-seller, "Tuesdays with Morrie," it was his college professor. If he can do it, so can you.

Even if the relationship has broken down, this is a chance to hear the rest of the story. You will discover your elders’ life experiences, what inspired their actions, their personal identity, and the wisdom they are eager to impart.

In this guide, you will gain an appreciation of:

• Interviewing those with dementia
• Gathering end-of-life stories
• Audio/video recording on your phone
• How to ask open-ended questions
• Different views on what is true
• Photoscribing
• Multi-generational perspectives
• Legacy letters
• Genograms & family trees
• Handling family secrets

And... Making a message out of the mess of photos, letters, mementos, and collections!

To help facilitate your story-gathering process, we have included space for your personal notes and reflections.

175 pages

At Artichoke Press, our underlying message is "Finding the heart of the story in the journey of life."

Judy Helm Wright is an Author/Personal & Oral Historian, and has taught writing for 25 years. Her approachable manner and non-judgmental guidance have helped hundreds of individuals capture family stories and write memoirs.

Hello! Welcome to this exciting journey of sharing your wisdom and capturing family stories for your children's children and those who will benefit from your efforts. My name is Judy Helm Wright - Author/Personal Historian/IntuitiveWiseWoman.

I often share about the honor of being named "Auntie Artichoke - a wise woman who loves unconditionally" by Indigenous tribes I worked with in Hawaii and Montana.

As a founding member of the Association of Personal Historians and the Montana Story Keepers, I was part of a valuable gathering of people committed to the importance of storytelling.

I have taught memoir writing for twenty-five years in many communities. What I knew then about how memory works and what research and life experiences have taught me now is vastly different. As we explore this exciting calling, you too will benefit from this research and knowledge.

The journey to find and share your stories will be some of the most important work you will do. Stories create connection, and human connection enriches your life.

You will be guided, not just by me as a Personal Historian, but by your ancestors and those who have influenced your life in meaningful ways. Think of the author of "Tuesdays with Morrie," Mitch Albom - and how that small book has impacted not only family and friends but the entire world.

Know that your story will be treasured and loved by those who read, view, and hear your wisdom.

Claim your free ebook "Write Your Family Story: Leaving a Living Legacy" at www.MemoirLifeStoryWriting.com, where you also find additional educational workshops, online courses, and resources. Check out www.ArtichokePress.com for additional works by Judy Helm Wright.

May I ask a favor of you, dear reader? Your satisfaction and feedback are invaluable. If you have had a positive experience with this guide, I would be immensely grateful if you could take a moment to share your thoughts and impressions. Your glowing review not only validates my efforts but also inspires me to continue to bring you helpful writing content. Thank you for your trust and support!