Memory Books

Capturing Memories has had the pleasure to be involved in three local history projects in which we helped collect and publish the shared memories of local elders. In each project, a customized memory sparking workbook was created and distributed to community elders. An overwhelming number of the workbooks were completed and returned to the historical societies. Community members also shared personal photos and mementos. The stories were transcribed, illustrated with the images, and published in three Memory Books:

Capturing Memories would like to encourage other communities to conduct their own "Memory Book Project." The information on these Memory Books pages will get you started.

We have now published Memory Book Projects: Collecting Stories and Memorabilia, a director's guide to the collection of community memoirs. This handbook provides detailed instructions for conducting a Memory Book Project—whether you are working for a historical organization, preparing a church or organizational history, or putting together a book of family stories.

For a detailed history and description of the Memory Book Project method, read the Introduction to the book.