Christmas-keeps getting earlier!

I know, who wanted to think about it in the glory days of late summer and early fall. But plan now to recapture for your family and friends the stories, music and pictures of Christmas past or the Hanukkah of your youth. I can help you make a photo story or movie gift that will be the hit of your holidays.

StoryCorps, Studs Terkel and your story

Well, we all can't get the StoryCorps recording booth to come into our driveway. But they did just that a few years ago, to interview this country's most famous oral historian, Studs Terkel. Studs passed away October 31, at the age of 96, but left behind a legacy of stories to fill 2 (or more) lifetimes.
Maybe this is being done to honor Studs; StoryCorps is asking the whole country to set aside one hour on Friday, November 28th, the day after Thanksgiving, to record a conversation with a friend or loved one. They have declared it the National Day of Listening.
There is a website (www.nationaldayoflistening.org) with more information and tips for a Do-it-Yourself style interview as well as a video walking through an interview scenario. Share the StoryCorps recording booth experience in your own home and learn something new about someone you love.

Barack Obama said-"These are my heroes"

If you heard his speech last night, and whether or not you agree with his politics, many of us can appreciate the statements he made when speaking of his grandparents. He spoke of their ordinary courage in extraordinary times. His grandfather enlisting and marching with Patton's army. His grandmother working in a factory to support the war effort. He spoke of his mother, and the sacrifices she made so that he could have more opportunities and a better life. They were eloquent words, a moving tribute to his heritage. Think about your heritage, the people who have sacrificed for you. Express your gratitude to them, for their influence, care and guidance.


Barbara H. Vaughan
Member, Association of Personal Historians

Joe Biden-his mother's smile

So, did you see and hear Joe's speech last night? Whether you agree with his politics or not, for me one on the best parts was when he introduced his mother, and the smile he brought to her face when he talked about his childhood memories and the lasting lessons he learned. I loved seeing her laugh and nod her head in agreement, as he repeated her words in front of millions of viewers. Well, most of us will not have the chance to show our appreciation to and for our mothers on national television, but we can still take the time to let them know how much guidance, love and support they have provided. Click here for a demo (brief edited version (audio removed due to personal content)) of what we can create together for your mom.


Barbara H. Vaughan
Member, Association of Personal Historians

Michelle Obama-Tribute to her parents

Millions heard the articulate, moving words of Michelle Obama last night, as she thanked her parents and brother for all they had taught her and sacrificed for her. She spoke of the lessons both she and Barack had learned and the strength that guides them each and every day. Most of us will never get the opportunity she had, to acknowledge on a public stage in such a public way, those people who helped make us what we are today. But that does not mean we should not do it. Think about the lessons you have learned from your parents and family and think about creating a photo story to tell them just how grateful you are. Click here for an example (edited version for private content) of what we can create together. Tell a loved one how grateful you are for their influence in your life.

Barbara H. Vaughan
Member, Association of Personal Historians

Personal History--My Dad's story

I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and from everyone there are lessons we can learn. Since my father's death, I truly regret the lost wisdom and especially the stories of his everyday ordinary and courageous life.
A proud moment for me was writing and delivering his eulogy, as he was not an easy man and had deep unshakable beliefs that had caused estrangement in our family. Writing his obituary, which was chosen as the lead in the Sunday Cincinnati Enquirer brought a certain healing and closure, as he would often say "you should be a writer".
Since that time, I have been trying to get involved with capturing people's personal histories. I easily develop a rapport with strangers, and am excellent at eliciting information, with thoughtful, well timed questions and follow up.
I would love to talk with you and discuss how we might work together to tell either your own story or a loved one's personal story.
If you would like to see a partial (edited for length and personal content) demo of my work, click here.




Barbara H. Vaughan
Member, Association of Personal Historians

"The Staycation"-Revisit your childhood

Is your family staying close to home this year? Maybe your parents can no longer travel, because of age, illness or other limitations? Think about revisiting and sharing the vacations of your childhood, through a photo story. Thank your parents for all those good times. Relive the laughter, memories and silly stories! Click here for a short demo.

Barbara H. Vaughan
Member, Association of Personal Historians

This I Believe-Personal Legacy

Did you hear today's "This I Believe" segment on NPR? It was wonderful and very moving. A new mother, who lost her own mother at the age of five, talks to her infant daughter about some of her "small beliefs". She believes the greatest rock band is U 2. ( though I must humbly disagree, it is definitely Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band) She talks about why she always drives in the right lane and other small details of her life, such as the posters she had on her wall as a teen. Do you know these things about your mom or dad? There are so many wonderful questions to ask. The answers might surprise you!

Barbara H. Vaughan
Member, Association of Personal Historians

Personal Story--Lessons learned

With recent media coverage surrounding Randy Pausch and the "Last Lecture", it seems that many of us are trying to capture the important lessons and acknowledge the lasting influence that our parents have had in our lives. But, in the "busyness" of everyday life, we can forget to tell them, and it may become a regret that we have not found that time.
When an event such as a wedding, milestone birthday or anniversary approaches, we wish we had documented our gratitude. I invite you to share a short (edited for personal content) version of a photo story and think about creating a personal "thank you" gift for someone you love. I would love to help you.
Click here for a short demo.

Barbara H. Vaughan
Member, Association of Personal Historians

Anniversary Gift--Celebrate a milestone

I had such fun recapturing some of the highlights of my parents more than forty years of marriage, and celebrating their amazing commitment. See some of their story and think about what a great gift this can be for your parents and family! To see a short version (edited for personal content) click here

Barbara H. Vaughan
Member, Association of Personal Historians

The Perfect Gift-a Photo story

Do you know someone celebrating a significant milestone, anniversary, birthday? Don't we all? We struggle and agonize over how to make the event special. So just what do you give parents or that brother, sister, mother, or father who has "everything"? Who insists they have all they need and want? I was faced with that just a few weeks ago, when invited to a celebration of a 60th birthday. And I found the gift that brought fun, laughter and amazement to family and friends. That brought everyone at the party together and afterward got the whole group chatting and reminiscing about their own childhood and young adult memories.
I'd love to help you be the hit of your next party or family gathering, by producing a photo story of your loved one.

Click here for a short demo of the gift that got those words we all love to hear.

"thank you so much...it was the best gift "

Personal History--Your legacy

Are you starting a new chapter in your life? Pursuing a life long dream, like starting your own business, going back to school, writing a book, making a career change, pursuing an artistic passion? I'm in awe of the people around me I see doing just this.
Have you thought about documenting it now, as it's happening, being in the moment, before you forget the ups/(and downs) , the first successes, the "ah ha" moments, the things you swear you'll "never forget", but probably will?
I'd love to help you capture the stories of your wonderful life, through pictures/video/interviews/editing.
Whatever your story...we all want to be able to say yes when asked..."remember when?"