A lot of people spend time tracing their family history. But how much time does the average person spend preserving the stories and/or memories of friends, family and loved ones for future generations?
Last year, one of my colleagues told me about the National Day of Listening, started by StoryCorps. The project encourages people to sit down with a loved one and record a meaningful conversation. The concept excited me, which prompted a visit to my grandfather in an attempt to “preserve a meaningful conversation.” Long story short, the reality didn’t match up with what was in my head. For one thing, I didn’t have a realistic plan. It’s important to make preparations and consider all of the possibilities before undertaking something like this seemingly straight-forward concept of preserving a precious memory.
Making Memories : Things to Consider
The idea or concept of preserving memories for future generations is definitely intriguing and the possibilities are worth exploring. Here are a few things to consider if you plan to record a conversation with a loved one to share or preserve for future generations:
- What questions should you ask?
- What equipment should you use?
- How will you edit the audio/video?
- How will you save and preserve the finished product?
- What’s the best way to share these memories with loved ones?
6 Ways the Library Can Help You Preserve Precious Memories
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library offers a variety of tech tools and/or services to valid cardholders at select locations.
1. Film to Digital Converters
Do you have old film you would like to preserve?
How can the Library help?
We offer digital converters for turning 35mm, 126KPK, 110 slides/negatives, 8mm and Super 8 movies into digital images or movies in seconds.
No computer or software needed. All items are saved into its internal memory or optional SD/SDHC memory card, up to 32GB capacity.
Easily connects to any Windows PC or MAC, to offload images or view on TV.
Available at King Road, Oregon and Sylvania.
2. VHS to DVD Converter
Do you have precious memories saved to a VHS tape, but no longer have a VCR?
How can the Library help?
Use our DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and transfer your VHS tapes to DVDs.
Available at King Road, Oregon and West Toledo.
3. Digitization Services
Do you have items you would like to scan, edit or store?
How can the Library help?
The Local History department can help you digitize, edit and store precious items to share with loved ones and preserve memories for future generations.
For more information, email digitization@toledolibrary.org or call 419.259.5233 and set up an appointment today.
Please note that the minimum turnaround time for digitization services is approximately two weeks.
4. Studio Equipment
Do you want to record audio and/or video?
How can the Library help?
Use our studio equipment to record a meaningful conversation with a loved one.
Select Library locations have audio and video equipment for use in their studios.
Microphones, mixing consoles, headphones and accessories are available, as well as audiovisual equipment.
Available at King Road, Oregon and Sylvania.
5. Cameras / Camcorders
Do you want to take quality photos and/or home movies?
How can the Library help?
Did you know the Library lends out cameras and camcorders?
Use this great equipment to record memories and share with loved ones.
Camcorder
The Canon XA10 camcorder is an ultra compact professional camera that records in full HD 1080p.
Available at West Toledo.
DSLR CAMERA
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR camera will suit many photography needs and skill levels.
Available at Sylvania.
GOPRO HERO CAMERAS
GoPro Hero Cameras are durable digital cameras that film from your point of view.
Available at King Road, Oregon and Sylvania.
6. Editing Software
Do you have photos and/or videos you would like to edit in a creative way?
How can the Library Help?
Computers at some of our locations feature additional software that allows you to be your own producer.
Create your next masterpiece with the same platforms the pros use, including:
iLife Suite
Contains Garage Band, iMovie, and iPhoto.
Take those little video clips and photos from your iPhone/iPad and create a mini movie or slideshow.
Available at King Road, Oregon, Sylvania and West Toledo.
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Photo editing software.
Take photos and edit them in creative ways.
Available at King Road, Oregon and West Toledo.
Final Cut Pro
Video editing software.
Take video clips and edit them together to create a home movie.
Available at King Road, Sylvania and West Toledo.
Related Library Books
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How to Archive Family Photos : A Step-by-Step Guide to Organize and Share Your Photos Digitally by Denise May Levenick
A practical how-to guide for organizing your growing digital photo collection, digitizing and preserving heirloom family photos, and sharing your treasured photos.
Also available in eBook.
How to Archive Family Keepsakes : Learn How to Preserve Family Photos, Memorabilia & Genealogy Records by Denise May Levenick
Presents advice on how to preserve and create a catalog of family heirlooms, organize genealogy records, and store family information on computer files.
Also available in eBook.
Digital Photography : An Introduction by Tom Ang
Learn how to capture, enhance, and transform your digital photographs taken with any camera, from phones to DLSRs with renowned photographer and teacher Tom Ang.
The Advanced Photography Guide : Expert Techniques to Take Your Digital Photography to the Next Level by David Taylor
A practical, visual guide to digital photography covers a comprehensive range of topics from experimenting with lenses, exposure and aperture to useful post-production techniques.
Upcoming Programs
Digiscrapping 101: Photos + Pages
Learn how to work with the photos on your phone. Make some quick edits with cropping and filters. Create beautiful, shareable scrapbook pages using apps like Project Life. Then, print them out to take home!
Jan. 30, 2019 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm | Heatherdowns
Feb. 27, 2019 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm | Holland
Apr. 09, 2019 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | Birmingham
May 04, 2019 | 2:30pm – 4:00pm | West Toledo
Learn more about recording, preserving and sharing family memories
Record and Share Your Family History in 5 Steps
The New York Times
How to Preserve Your Family Memories, Letters and Trinkets
The New York Times
8 Ways to Preserve Your Family Memories
Next Avenue
Simple Steps to Preserve Your Precious Family Memories
Family Search
Beyond Scrapbooking: 5 Creative Ways To Preserve Your Familyβs Memories
Joan Lunden
Originally posted by April S. on ToledoLibrary.org/blog/preserve-and-share-precious-family-memories