How to Create a Family History Book from Recordings
Creating a family history book from recordings is the most meaningful way to preserve oral history. Start by organizing interviews into themes, add context and photos, and export a print‑ready PDF. This guide walks you through the exact steps so your family can keep these stories forever.
Table of contents
- Collect and transcribe recordings
- Organize stories into chapters
- Add context, dates, and names
- Add photos and captions
- Export a print‑ready PDF
- FAQ
Collect and transcribe recordings
Start with 5–10 stories. Use Record Family Stories to capture audio and generate transcripts quickly. Focus on stories with clear narrative arcs: childhood, meeting a partner, major life changes.
Organize stories into chapters
Group stories into chapters based on themes or timeline. Common chapter formats:
- By era (Childhood, Young adulthood, Family life)
- By person (Grandma, Grandpa, Parents)
- By theme (Work, Love, Community, Traditions)
Sample chapter map
| Chapter | Stories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Growing Up | Earliest memory, childhood home | Add school photos |
| Love & Family | How we met, marriage stories | Add wedding photos |
| Life Lessons | Biggest challenges, advice | Include quotes |
Add context, dates, and names
Small details make stories more valuable over time. Add dates, names, places, and a short intro paragraph for each chapter. A single sentence like “This chapter captures Dad’s years in the Navy (1964–1968)” adds clarity.
Add photos and captions
Photos turn a book into a keepsake. Use 1–3 photos per chapter and keep captions short. If you’re using VoiceHistory, add photos directly to entries before building your family history book.
Export a print‑ready PDF
Once stories are organized, export the PDF and share it with family. Print locally or with a professional service. Keep the digital version archived for future updates.
FAQ
How many stories should a book include?
Most family books work well with 15–40 stories.
Should I edit transcripts?
Yes—light editing improves readability while preserving voice.
Can I add stories later?
Absolutely. Treat your book as a living document.
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