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FREELANCE WRITING | EDITING | PERSONAL AND FAMILY HISTORIES

PERSONAL AND FAMILY HISTORIES

I also compile personal and family histories. A personal history is typically the story of an older person, whose family wishes to capture life experiences. It tells the stories behind the facts of where, when and what. A family history will cover several generations, and expands on a factual "family tree" with anecdotes and values. It's similar to a personal history, but does not dwell as deeply on any one person.

Generally there is a "client" who will provide overall direction of the project, and pay the costs, and a "subject", about whom the story is written. As an example, the client could be a forty-five year old son who knows his mother (the subject) is getting on in years and wants to capture her memories before they disappear.

A Personal History is a priceless legacy for current and future generations. By telling our stories now, we allow future generations to discover their ancestor's personalities, experiences and wisdom. Histories can be produced in many forms; mine are traditional paper books, including photos and a family tree. As a member of the Association of Personal Historians, I follow a process designed to ensure the subject of the personal history is comfortable with telling his or her story, and that the readers find value in the completed work.

There are several distinct parts to preparing a personal history:

• A meeting with client and subject to explain in detail what is involved
• Collecting information from the subject about his or her life experiences, typically by taped interview sessions of about two hours each, and normally about eight in total, on a schedule mutually satisfactory to both parties
• Preparation of an initial draft, two or three pages, of what the story might look like, so the client is satisfied with the direction and "look and feel"
• Obtaining names and contact information about other parties important to the story, so they can be contacted, in much shorter interviews (easily done by telephone), for their input.
• Additional research of events, places, people, etc. that are important to the story.
• Preparation of a family tree for inclusion in the book. This is intended as a data capturing activity only, in computer format, based on existing genealogical information. Any significant genealogical research is another issue.
• Preparation of the initial draft of the story for review by the client
• Revisions to the story based on the above review
• Final acceptance by the client

The process then becomes one of preparation of the physical product, the book itself. This can be done by the personal historian as a separate consulting contract, or could be done by the client, who will then possess the soft copy of the story and can do whatever he or she likes with it.

• Collection of photos or other items the client wishes in the book
• Consulting with the client as to type of book desired, number of copies, etc.
• Arranging for production, cover design, special binding, etc.

While personal histories can cost a significant amount of money, several family members often share these projects, since it is an investment.

I'd be pleased to discuss how a personal history could be right for your family.

I have been a member of the Association of Personal Historians since early 2004 and have attended two annual conferences of this professional organization. You can visit the website of APH from the Links page, but I would like to highlight the recently approved Code of Ethics to which we subscribe. I am on an APH Board of Directors committee to oversee the adoption of this revised Code by all our existing and new members.

APH Inc. Code of Ethics

Approved by the APH Board of Directors, June 12, 2005

The Code of Ethics of the Association of Personal Historians Inc. requires all members to uphold professional standards that allow for the proper performance of their responsibilities to those they serve, that protect the integrity of the profession, and that safeguard the interests of individual clients and narrators. The Code states the core values of our profession and establishes the basis for a member in good standing.

In joining the Association of Personal Historians Inc., all members are expected to adhere to this Code of Ethics.

Members will:

• Have a sincere commitment to provide the highest quality of service to their clients and narrators, and to conduct business according to impeccable standards of integrity and fairness.
• Represent their qualifications honestly, including their background and professional affiliations.
• Strive to always improve their services and to learn more about their craft and the needs of their clients and narrators.
• Abide by agreements made with clients and narrators on the terms of a project.
• Act with reasonable diligence and promptness in working with clients and narrators.
• Avoid any interest, activity or influence that might be in conflict with the personal historian's obligation to act in the best interests of the client, narrator or profession.
• Respect the clients' and narrators' wishes with regard to privacy, confidentiality, and disclosure.
• Respect the right of clients and narrators to hold values, attitudes, and opinions that differ from their own.
• Respect the inherent worth of all persons and be aware of and respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status, and consider these factors when working with members of such groups.
• Support efforts to promote a greater public awareness of and appreciation for the personal history field.
• Act honorably toward other members of the profession and toward the field as a whole.