Resources for Handing Stories Down
August 11, 2022 at 3:08 p.m.
There are so many reasons for grandparents and the elderly to pass on their life experiences to the next generation: bringing family members together, connecting with God’s creation as an individual with a unique story, guarding against age-related memory loss, preserving cultural heritage, and giving agency and meaning to the lives of those who still have so much to share. Below are some suggestions for getting started:
Websites for Seniors:
Using a method that helps people document their journeys with trained instructors in many states (including New Jersey), you are directed through questions and weekly themes designed to assist with memory and recalling long-forgotten stories. Online classes are available for those unable to attend in-person workshops.
With the goal to digitally preserve the legacy of American veterans, this organization coordinates with The Library of Congress and other veterans’ agencies, traveling to all 50 states to conduct interviews to compile an oral history. Email [email protected]
Websites for Adult Children & Grandchildren:
The Legacy Project offers a fill-in-the-blanks life story kit for interviewing older adults, including a list of questions for interviews. Additional offerings available to order include a Generations Scrapbook for children to use, as well as a Life Interview Kit to help document a person’s Life Statement.
StoryWorth is another digital and print method for story collecting, which provides a weekly email prompt for your loved one; answers are compiled at the end of the year, along with photos, in a hardbound book. There is also the option to record audio responses, using the emailed questions.
Books and Journals:
Titles available at online booksellers, including Amazon.com:
“Tell Me Your Story, Grandma” and “Tell Me Your Story, Grandpa” by New Seasons
“Tell Your Life Story: The Write Your Own Autobiography Guided Journal” (Hear Your Story Books) – by Jeffrey Mason
“Grandpa Tell Me Your Story: 101 Questions for Your Grandpa to Share His Life and Thoughts” by Linda Fachinni (version for Grandma, Dad and Mom also available)
“300 Questions to Ask Your Parents Before It’s Too Late” by Shannon Alder
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There are so many reasons for grandparents and the elderly to pass on their life experiences to the next generation: bringing family members together, connecting with God’s creation as an individual with a unique story, guarding against age-related memory loss, preserving cultural heritage, and giving agency and meaning to the lives of those who still have so much to share. Below are some suggestions for getting started:
Websites for Seniors:
Using a method that helps people document their journeys with trained instructors in many states (including New Jersey), you are directed through questions and weekly themes designed to assist with memory and recalling long-forgotten stories. Online classes are available for those unable to attend in-person workshops.
With the goal to digitally preserve the legacy of American veterans, this organization coordinates with The Library of Congress and other veterans’ agencies, traveling to all 50 states to conduct interviews to compile an oral history. Email [email protected]
Websites for Adult Children & Grandchildren:
The Legacy Project offers a fill-in-the-blanks life story kit for interviewing older adults, including a list of questions for interviews. Additional offerings available to order include a Generations Scrapbook for children to use, as well as a Life Interview Kit to help document a person’s Life Statement.
StoryWorth is another digital and print method for story collecting, which provides a weekly email prompt for your loved one; answers are compiled at the end of the year, along with photos, in a hardbound book. There is also the option to record audio responses, using the emailed questions.
Books and Journals:
Titles available at online booksellers, including Amazon.com:
“Tell Me Your Story, Grandma” and “Tell Me Your Story, Grandpa” by New Seasons
“Tell Your Life Story: The Write Your Own Autobiography Guided Journal” (Hear Your Story Books) – by Jeffrey Mason
“Grandpa Tell Me Your Story: 101 Questions for Your Grandpa to Share His Life and Thoughts” by Linda Fachinni (version for Grandma, Dad and Mom also available)
“300 Questions to Ask Your Parents Before It’s Too Late” by Shannon Alder