How to Preserve Grandparents' Stories

"Welcome back to The Legacy Project Podcast, the place where your family history comes alive through the power of storytelling. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re exploring one of the richest treasures any family can hold: the stories of your grandparents.

Our grandparents' lives contain a wealth of experiences, wisdom, and history that too often go unrecorded. These stories aren’t just precious—they’re irreplaceable. Preserving them ensures future generations know who they are and where they came from.

In this episode, we'll discuss practical ways you can capture these precious memories—ways to honor your grandparents, strengthen your family’s identity, and leave a powerful legacy for those yet to come.

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Transcript

Don: 0:10

"Welcome back to The Legacy Project Podcast, the place where your family history comes alive through the power of storytelling. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re exploring one of the richest treasures any family can hold: the stories of your grandparents. Our grandparents' lives contain a wealth of experiences, wisdom, and history that too often go unrecorded. These stories aren’t just precious: they’re irreplaceable. Preserving them ensures future generations know who they are and where they came from. In this episode, we'll discuss practical ways you can capture these precious memories: ways to honor your grandparents, strengthen your family’s identity, and leave a powerful legacy for those yet to come. Let’s dive in.""Before we dive into the'how,' let's talk about the'why.' Our grandparents are living history. They’ve seen wars and peace, economic hardship and prosperity, cultural shifts, and personal triumphs. Their stories aren’t just family anecdotes: they’re the fabric of our family’s identity. Every time a grandparent passes away without their stories being captured, a library of knowledge and love closes forever. By preserving their memories, we maintain a connection that spans generations. Their voices become guides, teachers, and reminders of resilience. I still recall sitting with my grandfather as he shared his experiences during the Depression. Those stories didn't just teach me history: they shaped who I am. And your grandparents’ stories have the same power for you and your family.""Capturing stories starts with conversation. But sometimes it’s not easy for our grandparents to open up, especially about challenging times. Here’s the secret: start simple. Ask about everyday things first:'What was a typical day like when you were growing up?''What was your favorite meal your mother made?''Tell me about your first job or your first love.' Use questions that encourage stories rather than just facts. Once they're comfortable, deeper memories will naturally surface. Keep it relaxed: conversation over tea, a quiet afternoon on the porch, or a car ride: these moments become goldmines for storytelling.""There’s something magical about hearing your grandparents’ voices telling their own stories. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple recording. You don't need fancy equipment: just a smartphone or an inexpensive digital recorder will do the trick. When my own grandfather passed, I would have loved having his voice recorded to tell his stories. Hearing his laughter, the pauses as he gathered his thoughts, the emotions in his voice: it would have been irreplaceable. You should label each recording clearly, date it, and back it up digitally. You’re creating a priceless archive that future generations will cherish.""After you’ve had these conversations, you may want to go a step further and write their stories down. Here’s how you can start: Transcribe your recordings or jot down highlights of your conversations. Write stories in your grandparents’ own words whenever possible. Add your reflections: why the story matters to your family, what it teaches about their character or values. One storyteller I worked with turned his grandfather’s World War Two letters into a beautifully bound book that became the family’s heirloom. Writing preserves these voices forever, passing wisdom down through the generations.""Now that you have stories, consider creating a legacy archive. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like: Compile stories into a digital album, website, or printed book. Include photos, handwritten notes, scanned recipes, or heirlooms alongside the narratives. Share it with your family as a gift: something tangible that connects generations. A family I worked with created a digital archive that everyone could access and add to. Over the years, it grew into a family legacy library. It became a gathering place: virtual and emotional: where everyone felt connected to their roots.""As we close today’s episode, I want you to picture your own grandparents for a moment. Imagine their faces, their voices, the stories they’ve shared: and those still waiting to be told. The best time to start capturing their stories was yesterday. The second-best time? Is right now! I encourage you to reach out this week. Re-cord one conversation, write down one memory. Start small: but start today. Your future family will thank you. If you're inspired to preserve your family’s stories but need some guidance, my book, The Legacy Project: A Guide to Sharing Your Story, is filled with prompts, tips, and inspiration to help you every step of the way. Thank you for spending time with me on The Legacy Project Podcast. Keep the stories alive: they matter more than you know. I'll see you next time."