How to Preserve Family Stories

My mom has a video of my grandma’s last days in the hospital. The camera was pointed at the floor, the audio was poor, but it’s priceless to her. Another family member has a 20-second voicemail from her dad that she still listens to every single week.

Almost everyone we’ve spoken with who’s lost a loved one has said some version of the same words:
“I wish I would have captured more of their story.”

The good news? Preserving family stories doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little intentionality, you can capture moments that will bless your family for generations to come. Here are a few simple steps to get started.

1. Ask, Don’t Wait

The biggest barrier to preserving stories is waiting for the “perfect” time. Maybe you think you’ll start recording after the holidays, or when everyone’s schedule slows down. But time has a way of slipping by, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Start small. Next time you’re with a loved one, ask:

• “What was your childhood like?”

• “What do you remember about your parents or grandparents?”

• “What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you’d want me to remember?”

Casual conversations can spark meaningful storytelling.

2. Record, Don’t Rely on Memory

We often tell ourselves we’ll write stories down later—but our memory is fragile. The best way to ensure accuracy (and emotion) is to capture stories in the moment.

You don’t need expensive equipment. Use your phone’s voice memo app or video camera. What matters most is preserving not just the words, but the tone of voice, laughter, and pauses that written notes can’t capture.

3. Gather, Don’t Guess

Photos, recipe cards, letters, and keepsakes aren’t just “stuff.” They are anchors to specific memories. Bring these items into conversations with your loved ones.

For example, ask:

• “Tell me about this photo—who’s in it?”

• “Where did this recipe come from?”

• “What’s the story behind this keepsake?”

The details that emerge often hold incredible insight into your family’s history.

4. Share, Don’t Store

Stories shouldn’t sit on a hard drive or in a dusty notebook. They are meant to be shared.

You can:

• Send recordings to siblings or cousins.

• Play clips at a family gathering.

• Create a keepsake book or video.

When stories are shared, they don’t just preserve history, they build connection.

5. Invest, Don’t Regret

Sometimes the most meaningful stories need a little guidance to be told well. That’s where professional storytellers come in. At Roots & Story, we sit down with families to create video interviews that bring out wisdom, humor, and life experiences in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. We capture more than just words, we preserve a legacy your family will treasure for generations.