Turn Memories into Legacy Through Storytelling

Alice Chow and Chaya Friedman had always hoped to pass down the stories of their lives to their children and grandchildren, but capturing decades of memories in a lasting way felt daunting.

Everything changed when they found North Shore Senior Center’s (NSSC) Life Stories program, which offered a supportive and meaningful path to preserve their personal histories—turning treasured moments into a legacy their families can cherish for generations.

Trained volunteers guide participants through the process and record their life story through audio or video. The one-hour recording is then edited and transferred to a flash drive as a keepsake. A Life Stories recording is a great gift to give or receive. Watch this short video to see clips from the program.

Why Did You Participate in the Life Stories Program?

“This is part of what I want to leave behind for my children and grandchildren. I started writing a biography, but it is only in written form,” Alice Chow explained. “With Life Stories, I recorded my voice, paintings, ceramic pieces and singing on the video … much more than I can do with the written word.”

Chaya Friedman agrees: “Creating a legacy for my children and grandchildren was something I had always wanted to do. My daughter gave me a book in which to record my memories, but that seemed like an overwhelming project.”

What is Involved in Preparing for a Life Stories Video Recording Session?

“Recording a one-hour video was an easy thing to do,” Friedman added. “Two video production professionals visited my house to “scout out” a proper setting for the recording, and we all decided that sitting under the gazebo in my back yard would work well.”

Prior to the day of recording, Friedman wrote out a synopsis of her life history, and when the videographer and interviewer came to her house for the recording, they set up microphones and professional lighting.

“I used my written synopsis as a guide but added to it and embellished it as I went along, making sure to look at the cameras and not just read from my notes. The result was quite good, and I shared it with a friend and with my children and grandchildren,” Friedman explained.

In Friedman’s mind, the purpose was to “record a bit of my life history but also to impart my thoughts and hopes for my offspring. I also want them to understand they came from a rich culture with good ethics that I expect them to continue. My words and image will live on after I am no longer here.”

Chow had a similar experience. Her goal was to show a split video screen where the camera can focus on her hands displaying her creative artwork as well as her narration.

“I am very happy with the final recording, and my family loved the video,” Chow said. Friedman adds that she, too, had a similar experience with her family. “It is terrific that North Shore Senior Center offers this service at such a reasonable price. This would have cost hundreds of dollars if produced through a commercial production company.”

The cost is $40 for NSSC members and volunteers and $50 for non-members. To learn more, contact Julie Droste at jdroste@nssc.org or call 847.242.6257.

About North Shore Senior Center

Headquartered in Northfield, NSSC is a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering older adults and their families across Chicago’s northern suburbs. Offering a wide range of services including memory care programs, educational classes, and wellness activities, NSSC provides a welcoming space to connect, learn, and build community. To learn more, visit www.nssc.org.