Since the dawn of taxation, governments have kept census of people. Clergymen documented names and dates of significant religious events. As society accessed education, families documented their ancestral history in Bibles. All are sources used by genealogists as they construct family trees. Oral history takes genealogy a step further, making names and dates come alive as they bring the listener back to another time and place.
All families have interesting stories with listening and learning value.
These family stories give today's modern pioneers a connection with their heritage and a sense of identity in a culturally diverse society. Anyone can do it. Even small children have a personal history and love to share their experience. There is neither a right or wrong way to capture your heritage, but here are a few tips. Simply ask if they are willing to talk and set a time and place.