An Oral History Speaks Volumes

As an older adult, do you enjoy a stroll down memory lane? Is there a particular recollection, for example, from a holiday celebration? How about the significant historical events you’ve experienced—anything from a monumental election to the introduction of the personal computer? If you think of your life as a jigsaw puzzle, each piece comes together to paint a portrait of your life. 

The Impact of Sharing: Unveiling the Power of Personal Narratives

There are various ways to share life experiences—a book, a video, or a recorded conversation. An oral history may be the simplest, as all two people need to do is sit down together, settle in for a rather intimate conversation, and start exploring. An oral history can also be conducted on your own. Create a list of questions (or start with the ones below). When you’re ready to begin, ask each question in a smartphone or tape recorder recording app. (A smartphone app is best, as it makes the recording much more accessible to share.)

And remember, your life matters just as much as anyone else’s. “Everyday people'' tend to minimize the importance of their lives and of sharing the events, people, and places that shaped them. And yet, those tales are often fascinating to the people who love you most—children, grandchildren, and others.

On its website, the New York Public Library reported on a study that revealed 67 percent of respondents said that knowing their family history made them feel wiser as a person; 72 percent said it helped them be closer to older relatives; and 52 percent said they discovered ancestors they had not known about. (That’s worthy of a “wow!” isn’t it?)

A Guide to Crafting Your Oral History

Making your oral history might seem daunting, but start with one topic at a time. You can do it over a few days, weeks, or months. Just don’t put it off forever! Here’s a list of suggested questions. Add and delete others as you see fit.

Ancestry

1. What are the full names of your parents and grandparents? Where and when were they born? 
2. What else do you know about your ancestry?
3. Do you have a family tree to share?

Note: The Ohio County Public Library has resources for people interested in researching their genealogy.

Early Life

1. What is your full name? 
2. Why did your parents select this name for you? Did you have a nickname?
3. When and where were you born? Name of hospital (if not born at home or elsewhere). What do you know about the circumstances of your birth?
4. Where did your family live at the time of your birth? 
5. Did you have relatives nearby? If so, who were they, and how close did they live?
6. Describe the personalities of your parents (or another individual or two who was particularly important to you).
7.  As a child, what were your favorite toys and games?
8.  What is your earliest childhood memory?
9. What is a favorite holiday memory? How were holidays (birthdays, Christmas, etc.) celebrated in your family? Did your family have unique traditions?

School Days and Teen Years

1. What world events most impacted you while you were growing up? Did any of them personally affect your family?
2.  What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects? Where did you attend grade school? How about high school? College? From what schools did you graduate?
3. What did you do for fun?

Young Adulthood/Family

1. What was your first full-time job? Tell me more about your work experiences. What was your profession, and how did you choose it?
2.  If you married, what was it like when you proposed (or were proposed to)? Where and when did it happen? How did you feel?
3. If you have children, how did you learn you would be a parent for the first time? How old were you? What was that child’s name and the name of the children who followed? When were they born?
4. What was one of your proudest moments as a parent?
5. Did your family have pets?

Older Adulthood

1. What has been your favorite place to visit or travel to as an adult? What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
2. Talk about a regret or two you’ve experienced in life. Which accomplishments are you the most proud of?
3. Have you been involved in volunteer work or another kind of community involvement that’s been especially meaningful? 
4. If you have grandchildren, talk about them. What piece of advice would you pass on to your grandchildren? 
5. In brief, how would you like to be remembered? 

Connecting Oral Histories with Personalized In-Home Care

Recording an oral family history captures the essence of our heritage and strengthens the bonds between generations. As we delve into the significance of these narratives, it's essential to recognize that some older family members might require additional support to maintain their well-being at home. Visiting Angels of Wheeling is here to provide a compassionate and supportive solution if you are exploring options for in-home, non-medical care.

Our range of services is designed to cater to the unique needs of older adults, ensuring they receive the care and assistance necessary to continue living comfortably at home. If you or an older loved one is considering the benefits of at-home care, we invite you to explore our services through a no-charge, in-home consultation.