History Comes Out at the Holidays

At this time of year, we are likely to see loved ones we do not see during the rest of the year. We might share a meal or visit someone’s home. Regardless of which holidays you celebrate, you are likely to be gathered inside, around a table, sharing food and…stories! Someone might even break out a picture album or home movie and reminisce about old times.

All of these situations are opportunities to learn more about the past through the eyes of people you know. There is so much history that, unfortunately, gets lost or forgotten as people age or pass away without sharing what they know. Stories go untold, people in pictures go unidentified, and misconceptions go uncorrected. With a mix of communication skills and digital technology, you can take on the work of preserving and sharing the histories of people you are close to!

Memory Lab Now Open Monday – Saturday!

While you are visiting family or friends over the next few months, take advantage of the opportunity to ask if there is anything someone wants to digitize or if there are stories they want recorded. The Memory Lab now has expanded hours, with appointments available Monday through Saturday. Staff will teach you how to use the equipment and software in the Lab and guide you through the process of digitizing and preserving your materials.

The Memory Lab and its resources are available for you to create, preserve and share your personal history projects. The Memory Lab, located at the Main Library, is a place for you to digitize materials, record oral histories, and learn methods for archiving and preserving personal, family and organizational materials. Whether it is a box of Kodachrome slides, home movies on VHS, or an oral history on audio cassette, we have the tools to help you create digital versions of your personal or family history to share with whoever you choose.

The Memory Lab is made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation.