The first step is easy.  A Legacies Family Historian acquaints themselves with the individual, family or organizational needs. During the initial meeting a series of project formation questions help to frame the subsequent production process. 

Legacies then offers a single or combination of services using either short-term project specific vehicles or a long-term blend of methods, and by selecting the oral, video and/or history services best suited for the family or organization, the history project begins to take shape. 

A personal history goes beyond the names and dates on a genealogy chart by preserving the stories behind the facts and infusing the past with vitality. 
 
Preserving your story allows you to participate in an age-old tradition of:
  • Passing on wisdom to future generations.
  • Protecting important family stories and memories.
  • Reflecting on the choices and forces that shaped your life.
  • Sharing the lessons you’ve learned.
  • Putting a human face on historic events.
 
A personal history can be:
  • A memoir focused on a particular time.
  • An autobiography capturing the full spectrum of life.
  • The stories that bring a family tree to life.
  • The storied history of a community, group or organization.

CONSIDERATIONS

COLLABORATION
While capturing voice sound bytes is beneficial, the writing of the story is an integral component of a family history. Legacies provides benchmark editorial readings so that the accuracy can be verified with the host family, and the creative process of the document can be shared. 

CLIENT VISITS  
The time spent with an elderly client can vary. We find even one hour of gathering history and stories can be exhausting for some. By visiting with the client over a period of time we are able to interview them when they are alert and able to focus their energy, and have had time to think about a previous meeting and possibly add to or clarify a story.

DISTANCE
Today's technology allows us to facilitate long distance interviews via phone, conference call, video conferencing, e-mail, or skype when appropriate and if available.

EXPERTISE
Legacies LifeWriters are professional interviewers  and writers. Legacies considers the age, background, scope, ability, and needs of each client and partners them with the appropriate Lifewriter to capture the colors and texture of their life story. 

TIMELINE & COST  
Each Legacies project is unique. The short term or long term extent of the project defines the overall cost. In consultation with the Legacies client, the scope of the project is defined with an agreed upon start and finish date. With the information gained from the initial meeting, a time estimate is created based on an hourly rate which includes the formation of the project, interviews, research, transcriptions, photo gathering, writing, editing and proofing. 

When should you start?

RIGHT NOW!  Procrastination can lead to stories being lost forever.  Some people choose milestones such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or retirement to launch or complete a personal history project. 

Just remember that the sooner you begin, the better! 

Let us know how we can help.