Reviewed By: Layna Lewis

Collecting Family Stories

http://www.storyarts.org/classroom/roots/family.html

“Collecting Family Stories” is a practical guide to help someone start collecting family stories. A professional storyteller gives suggestions and hints designed to aid librarians, teachers or students in this process. Credibility: This is an educational website designed for use by librarians, teachers and students. The copyright is held by Story Arts, a cultural arts organization based in Huntington, New York. It was founded by the executive director, Heather Forest, an award winning storyteller. The site included links that leads to a short biography and a list of her recordings and books that are for sale. Timeliness: “Collecting Family Stories” was first posted to the Internet in 1998. The last update to this page was in September of 2000. Due to the nature of the information given, it should not be outdated yet. Contact information is provided for both Heather Forest and Story Arts. They can be reached through the mail or via an email link. Authority: No credit is given on this page for the use of an outside source, nor is any source suggested. Another source on this same topic is recommended with a bibliographic citation at the end of the page. The information is presented in a factual manner. No evidence as to how well the interview questions work is given. Heather Forest has many years experience as a professional storyteller. Story Arts hosts workshops in the storytelling field. Content: “Collecting Family Stories” gives a brief definition of family stories. The importance of listening to these stories is stressed. Suggestions are given on how to interview elder family members so these stories can be preserved and passed on to future generations. Lists of sample questions are given to help the interviewer know what to ask. These questions involve places, people, events and objects to remember. Helpful features included the tips and transitions suggestions. The equipment to bring to an interview is also suggested. The site loads quickly. It is attractively colored and easy to navigate.