What is personal history? Personal history is the preservation of a person’s life story, memoirs, or life values
in printed form or in an electronic format, such as audiotape, videotape, CD or DVD.
What is a personal historian? A personal historian records and preserves personal memoirs, life stories and family histories for future generations.
What is the Association of Personal Historians? The Association of Personal Historians, Inc., is a nonprofit professional organization supporting the work and skill development of many hundreds of professional personal historians throughout North America and around the world. APH members are dedicated to helping individuals and groups record and preserve their life stories, memoirs and histories. APH members possess the skills to elicit, record and preserve the life stories of individuals, families, organizations, businesses and entire communities for posterity. Bob McCarty, L.L.C., of St. Louis is an APH member.
How does personal history differ from genealogy? A personal historian records a person’s life stories and experiences, whereas genealogists research and record a person’s descent from his or her ancestors.
Why would anyone be interested in my life story? Every person’s life is interesting. Wouldn’t you like to know what your great-grandparents’ lives were really like—in their own words? No matter how ordinary you might think your life is, it’s extraordinary to your descendants and to future researchers. As Mark Twain said, “There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside the dullest exterior, there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.”
What if there are some things I don’t want to talk about? Leave them out. No one will force you to say anything. However, it sometimes helps to review painful periods and realize how you survived them. This can be especially valuable to future readers when they are going through dark times.
Where and how is the interview done? The interviews are usually recorded at your home in a quiet, comfortable room. To avoid distractions, often it’s a good idea for other family members to occupy themselves elsewhere. Even if two people, such as a married couple, are both being interviewed, better results are usually achieved by having separate interviews.
How long does it take to do the interviews? Recording a person’s life story can average from a few hours to 10 or 20 hours, depending on the narrator’s 
memories and desire to share them. Sessions last from one to three hours each, depending on your energy and comfort, and are spread over days or weeks.
How long does it take to complete the project? It varies according to the scope of the project. Interviews on audiotape can be completed in a matter of weeks (see above). To produce a video, CD or DVD, or to turn those audiotapes into a book may require six months or more to finish. It depends on how much material is involved and the amount of time you have available to spend on any aspect of the project.
What will the final product look like? The result could be a set of audiotapes, a book, an ethical will, a film or videotape, a CD or a DVD. Each choice has its own benefits and price range. We can clarify which products might suit your needs and budget.
What is an ethical will? An ethical will is a document written to your loved ones and provides a way to express your spiritual legacy, your values, hopes, life's lessons, forgiveness and love to your family, friends, and community. It may be written at a significant point in your life or as part of your estate plan.
What do I get from CDs and DVDs? CDs and DVDs are computer disks on which you can store a lot of information digitally. Our professionals can help you tell your story in text, photos, audio, documents, and even film and video clips, all on one disk. Designed to give the computer user easy access, CDs and DVDs help you create a new form of storytelling that will be fresh in the eyes of future generations.
How much does a personal history cost? Prices vary widely, depending upon the length of the interviews, the services you need and the end result you want. They may range from several hundred dollars to many thousands for a complex biography, a large family or company history, or an intricate video production. A personal history project can be crafted to fit your budget. Often, several family members who believe in the importance of preserving their family’s legacy can share the cost.
What is the process for making a book about my life? First, we will talk with you to develop an outline of what you want to cover, then record a series of interviews with you on audiotape. After transcribing your narrative, he will organize and edit the material before giving you a chance to review, change and approve each part. After photographs and other memorabilia are included, he will lay out your manuscript in book form, then have it printed and bound.
What will a book cost? Book prices vary based on the following factors:
- The time it takes the person to tell his or her life story, which determines the time needed to transcribe the tapes;
- The time needed for editing and revisions;
- The number of photos and illustrations used and how many are in color;
- Whether a graphic artist is used to design the book;
- The printing and binding process and materials used; and
- The number of books that are produced.
What are some advantages of creating a video? Video captures the subject in action, telling his/her life story in his/her own voice, showing facial expressions and gestures. Future generations can see the people and objects that are most important to the subject, as well as his/her favorite places and activities. Video production can be simple or complex, depending on the client’s desires. It may include music, sound effects, titles or interviews with other family members.
What will a video project cost? Video prices vary, depending on the following things:
- The number of hours of tape shot;
- The variety of locations and difficulty of set-ups (lighting, sound, etc.);
- The time needed to edit the tape and the soundtrack;
- The addition of voice-over, titles, special effects, music, sound effects, etc.; and
- The number of copies made from the final cut.
If you're ready to start the process or have other questions, contact us by e-mail today.
