Family Stories and Interviewing Elders

About this collection: This Content Collection was curated for you to discover a variety of techniques available for engaging with elders to document a family history that may be shared with generations to come.

Curated By: Jen Crino

Capturing and sharing your family’s history is critical to understanding and appreciating your philanthropy, providing a window into the rich heritage of your extended family. Elders in your family often have particularly interesting stories to tell, and can help family members of all ages feel more connected with the generations preceding them, and gain an even greater appreciation of their place within the family.

Top Resources

The Value of Making a Family Legacy Film

Article
Suddenly, I was thinking more about the meaning of money, responsibility, privilege, and the possible consequences of inherited wealth. That led me to question my parents’ legacy – how would their wealth impact future generations of our family?

6 Ideas to Inspire a Foundation Legacy Video

Article
Ken Burns and Cokie Roberts said it best at the NCFP opening plenary – “It makes it more meaningful to carry on the legacy of the family when you know those family stories.” It was the perfect lead-in to our session on Preserving Donor and Family Legacy: New Tools and Techniques.
Mothers day composition. Photo album, black-and-white picture. Studio shot on wooden background.

Be the Architect of Your Family’s Story

Blog Post
NCFP recently spoke with Bill Leighty about how he’s helped keep the Leighty Foundation’s memories alive by recording its history. While many foundations use external production companies, Bill created his family’s legacy videos himself—using his own technological know-how, video equipment, and dedication. His father, Ike Leighty, began the foundation in…

Telling Your Family’s Story

Article
Family philanthropies are intimately connected with the past that shapes them. As stewards of both a public trust and a family legacy, philanthropic families are constantly drawing on their history for wisdom, energy, and focus. That’s why growing numbers of families are recording their stories to share with future generations.…

7 Tips for Creating a Donor Legacy Video

Article
A couple years ago I realized the Knott Foundation was approaching 40 years as a Catholic family foundation! The time was ripe to pause, reflect on our work, and find ways to commemorate the Foundation. Enter the idea of creating a donor legacy video.

NCFP Webinars

January 10, 2019

Family Stories and Interviewing Elders

Capturing and sharing your family’s history is critical to understanding and appreciating your philanthropy, providing a window into the rich heritage of your extended family. Elders in your family often have particularly interesting stories to tell, and can help family members of all ages feel more connected with the generations…