Answers to your questions…
What is personal history?
Personal history is the preservation of an individual’s life story, memoirs, or life values.
What do I receive at the end of the personal history project?
You will receive a professionally produced, archival-quality CD recording of your interview packaged in a case with a custom-designed label. (If you desire a written record, transcripts of the recording can be produced for an additional fee.)
Can I give copies of the recordings as gifts?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s encouraged—and your lucky recipients will surely treasure such a special gift. Retrospectives’ CD packaging is specially crafted for each client with beautiful designs that are perfect for gift giving. Have a lengthy gift list? You can order extra copies of your recording for an additional fee.
How much do your services cost?
Because I tailor each project to a client’s specific needs, it’s difficult to estimate what the cost will be without knowing more about you and your goals. Whatever your needs, we can work together to develop a project within your budget.
Can I hire you to record the personal histories of my parents or another family member?
Yes. In fact, many clients hire Retrospectives because they want assistance recording a loved one’s stories. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
What is the process of documenting a personal history?
Click
here to learn more about the process of documenting a personal history.
How long will my project take?
The duration of the project depends upon your needs, how much information you wish to cover, and your availability for interviews. A modest project might take just a couple of weeks from start to finish while a more involved one could take two to three months or longer.
Do you work exclusively in audio?
Yes. Audio is my preferred format because it captures a narrator’s stories in his/her authentic voice. Audio is special in that it allows listeners to conjure their own powerful images of the narrator and the memories s/he is recounting, thus creating a deeply personal and moving emotional experience that can’t be achieved in any other format. And because most people don’t have the time or discipline to write down their stories, audio is an extremely accessible format that suits nearly everyone.
What geographic area do you serve?
I am based in Sacramento and serve the greater Sacramento metro region. I can also accommodate clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and the San Joaquin Valley.
Why should I hire a professional to conduct a personal history? Can’t I just record the stories myself?
Yes, you could record your stories or those of a family member. But, sadly, few people ever get around to doing it. When they do, the production quality is often poor or the narrative lacks a certain insight into the storyteller. By hiring Retrospectives to assist you with this historically significant project, you reap considerable benefits:
- The project will get done in a timely manner;
- The audio recording will be of the highest quality; and
- As an experienced interviewer, I can explore topics and themes that you might otherwise overlook.
I’m too young to think about my life story. Shouldn’t I wait until I’m older to do a personal history?
No matter your age, it is never too early to reflect upon and document your life experiences. Doing so is a priceless gift to yourself and to those who will later hear your stories. In fact, reflecting periodically on life events is a valuable means of self-discovery.
If recounting your entire life history seems premature, I can help you narrow down specific themes, from marriage and childrearing to family traditions or travel memories—whatever stories hold meaning for you. The point is to record your stories while you still remember them! Click
here to explore ideas for topics.
I’m afraid my stories wouldn’t be of interest to anyone. Is this kind of project right for me?
Every person has a story to tell—including you! If you doubt whether others will appreciate listening to your stories, consider what you would give to hear your ancestors describing first-hand their daily lives, their hardships and their joys. Even seemingly ordinary stories can yield a meaningful historical and social record that your descendants and others will value long after you’re gone.
I understand the value of recording my stories, but I’m not sure what I should talk about. How can Retrospectives help?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of recounting your memories in a coherent and engaging manner. I make the process easy and enjoyable for you. Prior to the interview(s), I help you identify the key topics that we’ll cover. During the interview(s), I ask questions that are crafted to elicit meaningful responses from you. Afterwards, I edit the conversations so that they flow together logically. Your only job is to talk! Click here to view sample interview questions.
There are parts of my life that I would prefer not to discuss. Can I still do a personal history?
Absolutely. These are your stories, and you have the final say on what topics will be covered. I remind all my clients, however, that it’s often the stories that are most difficult to tell that are most worth telling. You can be confident that any topic we discuss will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and respect.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. An interview session with Retrospectives makes a wonderful and lasting gift. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
Can I hire you to record interviews at special events, such as family reunions or anniversary celebrations?
Yes. In fact, family gatherings and other celebrations are ideal times to capture stories—and the resulting CD makes for a wonderful keepsake for guests. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
Do you ever work with businesses or organizations to document institutional histories?
Yes. Using audio interviews to document the history of a business or organization is a perfect way to celebrate an important milestone, such as an anniversary, or recognize a valued employee, member or volunteer. Recording history in this manner is especially meaningful for family-owned businesses. The resulting oral history can also be integrated into a fundraising, public relations or marketing program. Whatever the goal, I can tailor the project to your specific needs.
How is personal history different 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. In a sense, personal history fleshes out the stories behind the names and dates on a family tree.
What is an ethical will?
An ethical will is a way to pass on your non-material gifts to those you care about. It provides a way to express your spiritual legacy, values, hopes, life lessons, wisdom, forgiveness and love to your family, friends, and community. I can assist you with documenting your ethical will in print or audio.