Family Stories: Gone but Never Forgotten

July 13, 2012

With the passing of my father’s sister, the door closes on that generation of our family. Maybe, I should not use the closed door metaphor, but rather the closing of a chapter in my family’s life story. And, speaking of stories, I am so glad I was able to spend so much time listening to my aunt’s stories and memories of her family. My favorite memory? Well, there was the one of my aunt sitting on her great grandmother’s porch listening to the heart wrenching tale of how the family had to hide in a cemetery while making their escape as a consequence of the Civil War’s Order Number 11. This Union order forced local families to pledge their allegiance to the Federal government or have their property confiscated and their homes burned to the ground.

So, what is my one true regret in the passing of this generation? I never officially recorded my aunt's stories for my kids and grandkids. To keep you from losing your stories, be sure and record your family’s stories through oral history interviews. Here at the Midwest Genealogy Center, we have oral history kits called "Bi-Folkal kits" that help guide you through the interview process following any number of themes, from Remembering Home or Remembering Work Life to Remembering Music and Remembering Fashion. We also have several books available that will help you develop your own themes and sample questions to prepare more personalized interviews. So, what are you waiting for? Record your memories today and share them with generations to come.

Charlotte M.
Midwest Genealogy Center