Capturing Family Histories and Personal Stories

Recording and preserving the memories and personal stories of grandparents, parents, siblings, children, and even friends can be deeply rewarding, and a fun bonding experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee — and one that’s full of fascinating discoveries and surprises, too.

Learn how to capture personal histories, whether for a book, podcast, video, or a series of recordings or transcripts in this fun and practical course. Find out what you need to get started, know how to keep your project on track, and learn how to overcome roadblocks.

Discover the best equipment for your project (hint: you may already have what you need), get tips on conducting enjoyable and effective interviews — even with interviewees who think they don’t have anything interesting to say — and find out how to get people talking and keep them going. The course also emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect and care when gathering people’s stories, especially when they share more difficult or personal moments.

This course is for anyone who has wanted to record the memories or personal stories of family members, friends or others they admire, but need the structure, skills and guidance to make it happen.

Taught by veteran Vancouver journalist and radio/podcast producer Jennifer Van Evra, this course is for anyone who has wanted to record the memories or personal stories of family members, friends or others they admire, but need the structure, skills and guidance to make it happen.

By the end of the course, you’ll know how to:

  • map out your project
  • get the most out of your interviews
  • use photo albums, journals and daytimers to jog memories
  • transform raw material into a completed project
  • preserve stories and memories that can be passed down to future generations.
  • You don’t need any prior experience in interviewing, writing or recording to take this course.

Course details

Available sessions

There are no upcoming sessions currently scheduled for this course.

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