Welcome to...
The Family History Products
Blog

Motivation and Inspiration for The Family Historian in Us All!

In a nutshell, I want to help ensure that as many stories about you and your family are preserved and past on to your children and grandchildren as possible.

I try to do that through a combination of inspiring stories and reviews of cool "Tools and Toys" that a family historian (like you) has available to them on the Web. I want to make it easier for you and above all else.... a lot of fun!

Nov 14, 2009, Memories: Driver's License and Fatherly Advice

“If you are going to apply for a driver’s license, make it a Professional one, not the non-Pro. That way, you won’t need to apply again if you need a

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Memories: Driver's License and Fatherly Advice"

Oct 28, 2009, Remembering My Grandmother

As a young teenager my aging grandmother who raised me seemed so old to me, and I would often worry about her leaving me some day. She did leave me

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Remembering My Grandmother"

Oct 28, 2009, Reconnecting....with my God.

This happened about 10 years back. It was a very sad and desperate time in my life. My young niece was very sick, afflicted by SLE(lupus). For the

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Reconnecting....with my God."

Oct 22, 2009, Cherished Beautiful Times

Beautiful! It brought back memories of the home I lived in with my grandparents and remember each nook as if it was still there. I remember the doors

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Cherished Beautiful Times"

Oct 22, 2009, Talking About Our Grandparents

I've always said that while many people are not quick to WRITE down stories from their life, or the lives of their loved ones, they are usually quick to TALK about them.

In my college U.S. History 2 class, about 20 of us were discussing the Great Depression of the 1930s.

It was suppose to be an open discussion and there was a small group of us answering most of the questions, of course.

But when the instructor asked if any of us had ever talked with our grandparents about The Great Depression, all but a few really opened up and began to tell stories they had been told.

They also were quick to make observations of their grandparents that they attributed to The Great Depression.

One 20 year old young woman told about how, to this day, her grandmother does not trust her money to banks. Her grandmother obviously never forgot about when the banks closed...and ones money could not be reached.

It was great to hear all of the stories that were shared and especially to see mostly young 18 to 21 year old perk up and take interest in listening and sharing family stories and memories.

Sep 24, 2009, NEW! The Journal v5 Software Download

I've had some more time to install and and work with the new Journal v5 software. I'm both excited and impressed with the new features, functions and overall look. The look is really different and COOL!

This link goes directory to the download. David, the software's creator, gives a very generous 45 day trial period.

http://www.familyhistoryproducts.com/journal5

Whether you've previously purchased The Journal or you've just been putting it off, I highly recommend downloading and using The Journal v5 soon.

SPECIAL NOTE: For those who are currently using version 4, please note that any of your previous entries WILL NOT be lost, by installing version 5.

Here is the link again:

http://www.familyhistoryproducts.com/journal5

Permalink -- click for full blog post "NEW! The Journal v5 Software Download"

Sep 23, 2009, How to Write a Biography, Write Personal Biography

Resources on How to Write a Biography or Record a Biography

Permalink -- click for full blog post "How to Write a Biography, Write Personal Biography"

Sep 18, 2009, Professional Journal Writing, Professional Journal Article, Journal Software

How and Why of Professional Journal Writing, Professional Journal Article

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Professional Journal Writing, Professional Journal Article, Journal Software"

Sep 15, 2009, Teddy Roosevelt and Journal Writing

Right now I am reading a book called "Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey: The River of Doubt".

It is an amazing and exciting book. It tells of the former U.S. president's travels through the Amazon in 1914. I am learning all kinds of things that I did not know about him.

But the reason that I mention it here, is because not only was President Roosevelt quite the journal keeper, but so were most of the men on the trip with him.

In fact, the book is constantly quoting President Roosevelt or someone else in the expedition party.

If not for the devout journal writing, by these men, there wouldn't be much of a book to read now.

Was journal writing that common back them?

I think that I'd be hard pressed to end up on a journey with a group of men today and find even one that keept a journal.

Anyway, that is something that was on my mind this morning.

Sep 11, 2009, Sunday is Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day is observed on Sunday September 13th this year.

I would also recommend taking the opportunity, whether by phone or in person, to get your grandparent(s) talking about the "good old days". A walk down memory lane will often be enjoyable for them and it will help you to learn more about your grandparent(s).

If ones grandparents are no longer living, take the time to write down some of your most cherished memories of them. Then make sure that these stories are passed on to your kids and grand kids. Your adult kids will appreciate these stories today...your grand kids will appreciate them "down the road"

Sep 11, 2009, Version 5 of The Journal Available

David Michael, creator of The Journal, has just released version 5 of his software. There are some very big upgrades to this version.

David offers a free 45 day trial of his journal program. Give it a try and see how you like it.

I've enjoyed using it for many years now.

Find out more and get a trial download by clicking the following link: The Journal V5

Aug 14, 2009, Two Brother Growing Up

“In 1966 I enlisted in the army for service in Vietnam. At that same time, Don was battling his diabetes.”

Jim Sargent (L) and his brother, Don (R), who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 17, interview each other.

Click to listen to this short life story interview

Aug 11, 2009, Convert 35mm Slides to Digital and Preserve Your Family Photos

Converting 35mm Slides to Digital Images is an Important Part of Preserving Your Family History

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Convert 35mm Slides to Digital and Preserve Your Family Photos"

Jun 19, 2009, Father and Son

Another Storycorps short audio recording. These recordings are wonderful and this is just one, of many. With Fathers Days approachingI thought this would be very appropriate!

"Brian Miller talks to his son, Johnathan Emerson, about adopting him as a single dad nearly ten years ago."

Also be sure to visit my Father'sDay Poem page:

http://www.familyhistoryproducts.com/fathers-day-poem.html

Click for more info

Jun 19, 2009, My Grandfather

On my 32nd birthday I went to visit my native place. My grand father was still alive and I was always very fond of him. He was the person who taught

Permalink -- click for full blog post "My Grandfather"

Jun 10, 2009, Family Reunion Activities - Family Reunion Game Ideas that Spotlight Family History and Inspire Family Unity

When planning family reunion activities, don't forget to include games and activities that help share family memories, genealogy and family heritage

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Family Reunion Activities - Family Reunion Game Ideas that Spotlight Family History and Inspire Family Unity"

Jun 9, 2009, A Printable Family Calendar - A Great Father's Day Gift?

Create amazing printable family calendar and share family history. Insert pictures, family events and facts...and print monthly calendars for years to come

Permalink -- click for full blog post "A Printable Family Calendar - A Great Father's Day Gift?"

Jun 8, 2009, Family Traditions Grow Lasting Memories

Kristen Shamus wrote a beautiful article, in The Detroit Free Press over the weekend.

It was about her memories of planting flowers with her grandmother and mother.

In the article she said "Seeing my older daughter and my mother in the garden, creating their own memories, brought tears to my eyes on Sunday -- and left me with a feeling that we'd come full circle."

One other note from the article that really hit home, for me was

"There's something to be said for feeling a connection to relatives long gone through the things we have in common, despite the din of modern-day life."

Hope you enjoy the article and if you have some time, please be sure to visit my Family Tradition page:

http://www.familyhistoryproducts.com/family-tradition-ideas.html

Click for more info

May 27, 2009, Fathers Day Poem, Fathers Day 2009, Story for Fathers Day 2009

A Fathers Day poem entitled

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Fathers Day Poem, Fathers Day 2009, Story for Fathers Day 2009"

May 26, 2009, New Article: How to Use Writing Your Autobiography to Help You Better Understand Yourself

For most of us, all traces of our lives are forgotten within three generations of our passing.

Writing about your own life is enjoyable, cathartic, and maddening at times but in the end it can bring us some understanding and peace.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "New Article: How to Use Writing Your Autobiography to Help You Better Understand Yourself"

May 24, 2009, Quotes on Memories: The Past

Here is a quote that I really like: Dont let the past ruin what you have got today!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Quotes on Memories: The Past"

Apr 22, 2009, ....All My Pics Are Gone!

I just received a email from a friend, telling me that her apartment caught fire and that she lost everything.

She and her baby are okay, but she lost her pictures. That is very tragic. Here is part of her email.

"everyone is okay...72 units went down. Ours was on the top right in the middle of the flames so we don't have anything left. Luckily I have insurance and they are giving me moola..just sucks cause all my pics are gone!!"

------

Wow, 72 units. I think it is safe to say that she isn't the only one that lost family photos.

My advice is to spend a little time each week doing something to preserve your photos.

I try to do something, in this regard, every Sunday afternoon.

Upload them to photo websites, make copies on a disk, and/or send extra copies to family, etc.

Do whatever it takes!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "....All My Pics Are Gone!"

Apr 21, 2009, Write an autobiography, writing an autobiography, familyhistory, lifestory, LDS

Write an Autobiography with our Downloadable Workbook; Nearly 900 questions, lists, activities etc

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Write an autobiography, writing an autobiography, familyhistory, lifestory, LDS"

Apr 15, 2009, Another Amateur Photographer with Tons of 35mm Slides.

My only worry using a web based service to back up my digital images, is this: What happens, especially in this economy, if the web service decides

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Another Amateur Photographer with Tons of 35mm Slides."

Apr 11, 2009, Our Past Experiences and Those of our Forebears.

I’m an only child as was my dad, but his mother came from a large family. A couple of years ago, a second cousin of my father decided to put together

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Our Past Experiences and Those of our Forebears."

Apr 11, 2009, Personal Journaling - Journaling Life

Personal Journaling is Just One of Three Things We Leave our Kids

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Personal Journaling - Journaling Life"

Apr 5, 2009, How to Get A Reluctant Relative to Talk

What do you do when you have a parent or grandparent that is less than thrilled about talking about their life story?

The best tip that I can give is to ask them to talk about somebody else in thefamily.

So instead of asking your elderly mother "Tell me, mom, about you when you were going up", instead ask them to talk about memories that they have of you or somebody else in the family.

This takes the spotlight off of theshy or reluctant relative.

"Mom, how did grandpa and grandma meet?"

"Mom, Why is aunt Edna so afraid of the water?"

"Dad, what kind of jobs did grandpa have, over his lifetime?"

"Dad, whatever happened to that old Chevy we owned when I was real young?"

Get them talking about other membersof the family, and the "old days" in general, stories about their life will surely follow.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "How to Get A Reluctant Relative to Talk"

Mar 23, 2009, Family Stories are Vitally Important to Your Kids

Your kid's ability to retell family stories makes a difference

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Family Stories are Vitally Important to Your Kids"

Mar 19, 2009, 103 Year Old Share Her Memories of Her Life

I just love life stories like these.

103 year old Dorothy Young spent sometime at a elementary school and sharedmemories of her life. Memories included were when her family first gota radio and a refrigerator.

She also tells what she was doing when she first heard about Pearl Harbor beingbombed.

Be sure to watch the video clip, onThe Buffalo News Site, about half waydown.

Our older generations are such treasures. It is wonderful that storiesare being preserved like this.

I hope that this rekindles the desirein each one of us to continually workon preserving lifestories within ourown families.

Some of the stories that Dorothy sharedwith the children in this video willprobably remembered better and becomemore useful than anything else they learned during this school year.

Enjoy the article.

Click for more info

Feb 28, 2009, Life Journaling Prompts: Describe Those in Your Life

Of all the people in your life (especially family members) who would get the AWARD for the most generous, most into politics, most traveled, most inspiring, the best storyteller etc?

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Life Journaling Prompts: Describe Those in Your Life"

Feb 28, 2009, Journal Writing Prompts for Life Story Writers

Eye-Opening Journal Writing Prompts and Topics to Inspire Writing Your Life Story

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Journal Writing Prompts for Life Story Writers"

Feb 27, 2009, Mother and Son Share Memories

A short audio produced by StoryCorp, where Roger and Lourdes Villanueva talk about their life and the importance of her son getting his education. A great little story! Enjoy.

Click for more info

Feb 13, 2009, Working From Home using Site Build It

Why This Website and How It All Started

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Working From Home using Site Build It"

Feb 8, 2009, Letter to My Great-Great Grandchildren

Written by Leo VanMeer at age 95

Dear Caleb and Bonnie,

Thank you for coming with your parents to my 95th birthday party...

...The year before my birth, an experimental plane was flown over wind-swept Kitty Hawk sand dunes by Orville and Wilbur Wright, who were bicycle repairmen...

....Only a few decades before you two were born, inventions made possible radio, television, computers, a worldwide telephone system, as well as the Internet...

With love, from your Great-Great-Grandfather who wishes you a long and happy life.

*****
This was written by a man that I greatly admire for all the writing that he did

for his family's sake.

He isn't someone famous, but he willlong be remembered within his familyas THE family historian.

To me, that is what family history is all about!

Read more by clicking the link below!

Click for more info

Feb 6, 2009, Photo Memory Book to Help Grand Kids

I found this blog post of a grandmother who has grand kids that never met their grandfather. He died before they were born.

Here is what she is doing to help them come to know their grandfather!

Click for more info

Feb 3, 2009, Great Story! The Great Ice Storm of 1951

Dr. Fleming tells his daughter about being trapped indoors during the Great Ice Storm of 1951.

He also relates a couple funny instances when he proved his principal and college professor wrong. Great story!

Click for more info

Jan 20, 2009, Inauguration Day! Journal Writing Prompts for Historic Day

Whether you like President Obama, or not,today is a historical day.

Someday your children and grandchildren will wonder what your thoughts weretoday, as the United States inaugurated it's 44th president.

Here are some journal writing promptsto help you share, with your progeny,your thoughts.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Inauguration Day! Journal Writing Prompts for Historic Day"

Jan 8, 2009, Video of Graceland Before Elvis

Today would have been Elvis Presley's 74th birthday and I found this littlevideo of what Graceland was like beforeElvis bought it in 1957.

The narrator of this short video, Ms. Cobb, says that Graceland before Elviswas filled with many family memories.

She knows...because she lived there asa child!

What struck me as interesting about this video is how interesting to seevideo footage of anybody in 1935.

People walking, talking, having funand life (in the background..on thestreet) happening!

This, of course, isn't my family butI still find it fascinating. It re-enforces my strong belief that preserving family memories through the written word, family photos andfamily video is so important!

Enjoy this video and happy birthday Elvis!

Click for more info

Dec 30, 2008, Preserve Family Memories - 2008 Family Year in Review

Preserving Family Memories. A Year in Review: Preserve memories of you and your family over the past year

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Preserve Family Memories - 2008 Family Year in Review"

Dec 30, 2008, The Vissoc Family Mystery

My family too has an uncommon last name. In fact, I believe it to only exist in the United States and there aren't many of us. My Grandfather,

Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Vissoc Family Mystery"

Dec 18, 2008, A Good Photo Scanning Service Will Save You Hours and Worry

Photo scanning service - What a relief to finally get those slides, negatives and photos scanned

Permalink -- click for full blog post "A Good Photo Scanning Service Will Save You Hours and Worry"

Dec 16, 2008, The Phelan Family Chronicles - Happy 25th Anniversary!

Over 25 years ago I asked my family of non letter writers / good intentions procrastinators, to write me one letter a year - just one, in November ...

Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Phelan Family Chronicles - Happy 25th Anniversary!"

Dec 12, 2008, Oral History Recording Is Simple - Using Technology to Preserve Oral History with Your Family

The 3 cheap and easy to use oral history recording tools that I use

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Oral History Recording Is Simple - Using Technology to Preserve Oral History with Your Family"

Dec 9, 2008, The Bridge ... Has Been Crossed

The past is gone, and the bridge into the future has been crossed

Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Bridge ... Has Been Crossed"

Nov 30, 2008, New! November 2008 Newsletter

This issue talks about:

- The National Day of Listening- Converting 35mm Slides to Digital Images- Digital Family Photo Preservation- Your Family Story- Quotes on Memories

Permalink -- click for full blog post "New! November 2008 Newsletter"

Nov 24, 2008, Oral History Recording on The New National Day of Listening

Begin family tradition of oral history recording on The National Day of Listening

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Oral History Recording on The New National Day of Listening"

Nov 21, 2008, Resource of The Week - Life on Record

The Family History Products resource ofthe week goes to Life on Record.

Life On Record offers an automated way to have friends and family from aroundthe country call in and record stories,memories, and well-wishes for special occasions.

Those messages can be downloaded into iTunes and can also be compiled onto akeepsake CD by the company.

Additionally, and this is what caughtmy eye, you can call and record yourjournal/lifestory entry. The companythen sends you all your audio recordings on a CD!

Or you can burn your own.

I have all kinds of Christmas gift ideas going through my head, when Ithink on this unique service.

What do you think? Please use thelink below to learn more about ourResource of The Week "Life on Record".

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Resource of The Week - Life on Record"

Nov 16, 2008, Tips for Oral History Interviewing

16 Tips for Family Oral History Interviewing

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Tips for Oral History Interviewing"

Oct 20, 2008, Third Generation Harmonica Player

My dad was a harmonica player. He always played the same 3 or 4 songs, but he played them well. Everyone recognized “Skip to my Lou” and

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Third Generation Harmonica Player "