It sounds so easy... 

*Researching family heritage

*Writing a personal memoir

*Recording  your parents  story on tape

*Organizing  vintage photographs and  paperwork 

*Identifying treasured family heirlooms

*Obtaining  copies of documents in distant places

*Finding & photographing the graves of ancestors

Consulting

Documenting family history is achievable, but usually takes patience, persistence and sometimes just plain luck. At the same time, technical experience and "sleuthing skills" are good traits to have on your side. The tasks associated with family research are daunting to many people having no idea where to start. Others simply don't have the energy to take on such a project.

The time and effort required may not be readily available to a middle-aged son or daughter juggling career, family, kids activities, home upkeep and a semblance of social life and recreational pursuits. Call on me to advise, guide or perform some of this work for you.

Research & Writing

I have the skill set and experience necessary to help tell your story, or that of a parent, cherished relative, work colleague or friend. The obvious starting place is usually found with existing in-hand resources that you (and affiliated family members) may already possess. I can also perform "history detective work"  through the act of combing physical archives, searching internet databases and conducting personal interviews. This exercise may net copies of news articles, important government-related and/or family documents, and photographs.  Best of all, new family stories may emerge, while existing lore can be proven or challenged.

Multi-media Documentation

Recordings of first person narratives are worth their weight in gold, especially after a family member is no longer with us. Video-taped interviews, the best source of memoir documentation, allow future generations to see and hear a loved one recant stories of their parents and grandparents, childhood memories, life-changing events and major accomplishments. For the interviewee, a sense of pride and fulfillment usually accompanies the unique opportunity for preservation of family stories, one's own "life work," and personal opinions. 

Additional documentation opportunities 
include the recording of a relative commenting on old slide shows, vintage photographs and family heirlooms.