Build your bridge.

01 — Guided Autobiography Classes

Guided Autobiography is a semi-structured process of recording important life stories conducted in a small group format. Each weekly class will have between 6 and 8 students and run for 2-3 hours (depending on number of participants). Participants will write 2 pages on the assigned topic each week and read their piece to the group.

The cost is $200 for a 5-week series and $375 for a 10-week series. 

GAB Alumni Groups: For those who have completed the GAB series and would like ongoing structure and support while writing, we also facilitate monthly or biweekly GAB Alumni groups. Up to 8 participants may participate, with payment in advance confirming your spot ($10-$20 per session, sliding scale).

See About GAB to learn more about Guided Autobiography and read a sample piece.

02 — Oral History Recordings

We will conduct a preliminary interview to decide together what will be covered and determine what the final product(s) will be. Next we will conduct the full interview, scan any supplemental materials, edit the footage, and deliver the finished product (and any archival footage used) on a flash drive. You will also receive a link that you can use to share your video with your loved ones.  Please note that the use of any copyrighted music will mean that you may not post the video publicly. Subtitles are available.

Final cost will be $50 per hour. Factors impacting final cost:  

• Basic editing will usually take one or two hours. 

• Set-up, break-down, local travel time, and initial interview will usually be billed as one hour total.

• Interviews will usually take 1-2 hours; longer or shorter interviews can be arranged.

• Incorporating supplemental archival materials will impact editing time, as will helping you select or digitize photos or materials such as newspapers or certificates. The selection and use of music may also increase editing time.

See the Gallery for sample clips from personal and family history videos.

03 — Archival Assistance

We can work with you to develop a strategy for sorting and preserving your photos and old videos. This assistance may help prepare you for Guided Autobiography classes or audio/video recording sessions. Sorting and strategizing can be done with you in your home; scanning or digitizing will be done separately. Subtitles may be added depending on the original material audio quality.

The price for archival assistance is $35 per hour, plus the cost of flash drives for any digitized content. 

See the Gallery for a sample of a digitized VHS (scanned photos can be seen in the personal and family history video clips).