We all know that VHS is dead, right? But what about home video in general, or its predecessor, home audio?
Not to fear, both are still alive and well. They’ve just moved to new formats – DVDs, CDs, MP3s, iPods, etc. And they all have a place in your family history project.
Although I specialize in the written word, almost all of my projects involve audio recordings of some kind. There’s something special about hearing those family stories directly through the voice of the storyteller. Audio does that; video takes it a step further by adding the visual element.
That’s why I’ve teamed with that video guy, John Windschitl, to offer a special, money-saving combination video-book package for people in the Des Moines area. You can contact either John or me for more details.
Meanwhile, here are a few online video sites that share various aspects of personal history:
For some nuts and bolts research hints you can start with this video tour of one of the country’s top genealogy centers at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For some great genealogy stories and tips, go to Roots Television.
Here are a couple of examples of how unique and diverse family history actually is – a 3-year-old’s life story and a hip-hop (R-rated) number, Family Tree, by Bone Thugs N Harmony.
Just for fun, check out this show from the 1964 first season of television’s The Addams’ Family. Gomez and Morticia were interested in their own family tree nearly a half-century ago.
For some great audio, check out Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems podcast with History Detective Tukufu Zuberi.
Writing prompt of the day: Which living relative would you most like to have a visual recording of? Have you done it yet? If not, what are you waiting for?
Larry Lehmer is a personal historian who helps people record their family histories. To learn more, visit his web site, send him an e-mail or follow him on Twitter.
Flickr photo courtesy of Robert Couse-Baker.
Comments