Some behind the scene photos of oral histories taking place!

  Here is a look behind the scenes as Collected Roots works to provide the best product possible.

Collected Roots believes that you have waited long enough to have your family's history preserved. How many times have you said, "I wish I would have asked...I would like to know more about...I'm reluctant to ask them myself." Or even, "I'll talk to my grandmother/grandfather when I have more time." And, we all have family members with unique stories to share that should be preserved. Normally, these stories will pass down through oral traditions and can be changed or lost within two generations. This is where Collected Roots can help. We take the time, help find the right questions and scrutinize the details which your family deserves. The porper use of oral history as a tool reveals a side of genealogy research that is often underutilized. With our approach to your oral history project we are able to get to the "good stuff!"

Upon a client's first inquiry, they will speak with Megan. This is to answer any questions and gather pertinent information needed to proceed. Next, Steve will contact the client and schedule a time to meet with them directly. This meeting assists clients with selecting questions to be asked and stories to be obtained of their loved one.

Once these questions have been established, Steve contacts the person who will be sharing their stories to set up an initial meeting. This first meeting is intended to give the individual and Steve a chance to familiarize themselves with one another before the actual stories are collected. During this meeting, Steve also reviews the questions to be asked during the sitting. This provides the individual some time to recall the stories that they will tell and the answers they will share. Many of our clients have been amazed at how quickly Steve can develop a rapport and bond with their loved one. At the end of this meeting, Steve will then confirm a date for the actual sitting.

After the sitting has taken place, lead-times for the finished hard-cover journals will vary. On average, it will take 2-4 weeks to complete the journal. During this time, the client will be contacted to confirm the spelling of certain places, names, etc. Once completed, the journals will be mailed directly to the client or anyone else of the client's choice.

 Steve with Mr. Powell during the sitting

Mr.Powell performing a spell check of highlighted text before his collections go to print 

  Steve assisting Mrs. Walker with selecting the questions to be asked of her father.