Most of us remember our parents and often know a lot about their life. But how much do you
know about your grandparents, let alone great-grandparents? If you could sit any of them down now to talk about their experiences, think how future generations could understand their ancestors better.

In the 21st century it’s never been easier to document our lives – on paper, audiotape or computer disc, and now digital video.

With a permanent digital record you have not only created a family heirloom but also the chance of direct contact with your descendants.

Think how many future generations can get to know you as you really are – a living, breathing person. It’s the difference between a touched-up studio portrait and a candid camera shot.

You can’t, however, leave what you say to camera and how you say it to chance. Just like a written record, you need to give your story a structure.

It is important to date and name events, after all, this might be a starting point for someone’s future research; but it is just as vital to capture the essence of your life.

So begin with your date and place of birth before launching into childhood memories: your home, your school, your hobbies, friends and relatives. Then you can continue with adulthood, recalling your first job and subsequent career, meeting your future spouse, setting up home and bringing up your family.

Take a walk round your home or neighbourhood – present or past – either on video or through word pictures.

Where possible, add photographs or other mementoes. Even if the images are not directly of the incident you’re talking about, a representation of you at the time or any of the characters mentioned would help people’s appreciation of your story.

Think of the colour and details you can add about important moments in your life that others either haven’t heard or don’t appear in written records.

It’s never too early to start creating such a video. A record of your views and interests, achievements and goals today will make fascinating viewing not just for future generations, but also you as you look back.

Imagine the value of footage today of a young Henry Ford saying: “Well I have this plan to build cars, but not just one at a time.”

All this may sound like an ego trip, but of course you can involve the rest of the family. Your spouse and children can also be part of the film, not to mention parents and grandparents, although the last two deserve their own filmed reminiscences if they’re still around and willing to speak on camera.

The next question is whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Whether it’s plumbing or carpentry, for a quality job we would normally call in someone who has the equipment and skills. For a video this would certainly result in a polished production; but you might be satisfied with someone who has enough knowledge to handle a video camera and maybe even do a few rough edits before saving to DVD. If you are making a series of videos, this would certainly be the cheaper option.

The aim is to give our great grandchildren a production they can appreciate, even though today’s technology will seem old-fashioned by their future standards.

Don’t forget, for them you have recorded history.

© Brian Russell

Family History