How to Preserve Oral History for Future Generations

"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore the powerful process of preserving your life stories and family history. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re focusing on a timeless tradition that’s becoming more important than ever—preserving oral histories for future generations.

Before we had books, blogs, or digital records, we had voices. Around kitchen tables, on front porches, or gathered around a fire, people told stories. Stories that passed down culture, values, survival, identity. That oral tradition is still one of the richest ways to share who we are and where we come from—but only if we take the time to capture it.

Today, I’m going to walk you through why oral history matters, how to collect it meaningfully, and how you can preserve those recorded voices—not just as information, but as living legacy.

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Transcript

Don: 0:12

"Welcome to The Legacy Project Podcast, where we explore the powerful process of preserving your life stories and family history. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re focusing on a timeless tradition that’s becoming more important than ever: preserving oral histories for future generations. Before we had books, blogs, or digital records, we had voices. Around kitchen tables, on front porches, or gathered around a fire, people told stories. Stories that passed down culture, values, survival, identity. That oral tradition is still one of the richest ways to share who we are and where we come from: but only if we take the time to capture it. Today, I’m going to walk you through why oral history matters, how to collect it meaningfully, and how you can preserve those recorded voices: not just as information, but as living legacy. Let’s get started.""Oral history is more than storytelling: it’s a direct connection to someone’s lived experience, in their own words, with their own voice. There’s something powerful about hearing a grandparent describe what life was like during wartime, how they met their spouse, or what values shaped their choices. These stories aren’t just details: they’re firsthand wisdom. And they’re disappearing. Each year, we lose elders whose memories were never recorded. That’s why it’s urgent: and meaningful: to start preserving these stories now. Oral histories fill in the gaps that documents and photos can’t. They bring color to black-and-white facts. They give voice to generations who may not have left written records but whose experiences shaped the very foundations of our families and communities.""If you’re wondering where to start, think about the elders in your life: grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, longtime neighbors, even parents who’ve seen the world change before their eyes. You don’t have to start with someone famous or someone who’s traveled the world. Every person has a story worth telling. And here’s the key: don’t wait for the‘perfect moment’ or for everything to be set up like a professional documentary. Just begin. Call them. Visit them. Bring a notebook, a recorder, or even just your phone. Ask if you can hear their story. Most people are honored to be asked. What they need is someone willing to listen.""Now let’s talk about the art of the interview. Good oral histories come from great listening: and thoughtful questions. Start with open-ended questions like:'Can you tell me about your childhood home?''What was a typical day like when you were young?''What do you remember most about your parents or grandparents?''What major world events do you remember living through?''What are the proudest moments of your life?' And then: let them talk. Don’t rush. Be okay with silence. Sometimes the best stories come after a pause. You might also ask them to describe things that no longer exist: clothing styles, technology, foods, family rituals. These details bring their memories to life.""Once the stories are flowing, you’ll want to capture them clearly. The easiest way? Use the tools you already have. A smartphone with a voice memo app works beautifully. If you want to go further, try a simple handheld recorder or video app. What matters is clarity, not perfection. Label every file carefully with the person’s name, the date, and a few keywords about what was discussed. Store your files in more than one place: on your computer, in the cloud, maybe even on a USB drive kept with your family’s important records. You can also transcribe the recordings or pull quotes for future writing. These interviews can become chapters in a family memoir, posts in a family blog, or audio treasures passed down for generations.""Once you’ve collected oral histories, think about how to share them. Because legacy isn’t just what we preserve: it’s what we pass on. You can create a digital family archive. Or turn the interviews into a podcast or short film. Some families create memory books or tribute albums with photos, quotes, and audio clips. One storyteller I worked with compiled interviews from her mother, grandmother, and great-aunt into a legacy book for her grandchildren. It included recipes, wartime memories, love stories, and lessons on faith. That book became the most cherished item in her home: not because of how polished it was, but because it held the voices of her family. Your recordings don’t have to be perfect. They just have to be true. That’s what people will remember: and treasure.""As we close today’s episode, I want to leave you with a challenge: make the call. Reach out to someone in your family or community whose voice deserves to be heard. Ask one question. Re-cord one answer. Start small: but start now. You have the chance to become a keeper of your family’s legacy. To capture the stories that would otherwise fade. To give voice to generations: and preserve that voice for those who come next. If you’re looking for guidance on turning oral history into a written memoir or legacy project, check out my book, The Legacy Project: A Guide to Sharing Your Story. And connect with me anytime: online, on social media, or through the podcast. Thank you for joining me today on The Legacy Project Podcast. The stories are out there. Go gather them. Start writing, start sharing, and leave your mark. I’ll see you next time."