Histography – write the story of your life

When Michael McQueen’s father died unexpectedly, finding a journal with stories and experiences from his life was a great comfort. Here Michael shares how he embarked on a mission inspiring others to ensure that their wisdom is passed on to the next generation.

When my father passed away suddenly in October 2004 at the age of 51, my world was turned upside down.

In the days and weeks that followed, my family and I faced the grueling and heartbreaking task of sorting through my father’s papers and belongings. As we sifted through trinkets, photos and tokens of his life, we came across one item that made my heart leap the moment I saw it. There in the bottom drawer of his desk was a well-worn notebook that I had forgotten even existed.

I recognised this book instantly as the gift I had given dad for Father’s Day the previous year. Armed with a list of questions, I had somewhat sheepishly asked him to write down stories and experiences from his life that had never come up in conversation.

At the time I had no idea just how significant this simple request would be.

As I sat there 14 months later reading through the stories and experiences that he had recorded, I found myself enthralled and captivated by how much I didn’t know about my father and his life. I was struck by the things that were important to him but were unspoken and also by how much we had in common.

In numerous conversations over the next few months, I found myself recounting to others the experience of both finding and reading the notebook my father had left behind. I was amazed at how the story struck a chord with so many people. Everyone, it seemed, had a loved one whom they wished had filled out a similar book.

And so the idea for Histography was born. Originally published as a hardcover gift-book journal, my vision for Histography is to encourage other parents to make sure their story is recorded for all time just as my father’s was.

We have gone to great lengths to make the process of using Histography as simple, fun and special as possible. Users receive one question emailed to them each week over the course of a year designed to prompt a story from their life that they may like to share. Some questions include:

• What did your family do on weekends? Do you have any special memories of things you did on a regular basis?
• What was the most rebellious thing you did as a young person? Would you do it again if you had your time over?
• What do you remember about your first date? Tell all…
• Has there been a specific project of which you were particularly proud? What was it?

At the end of the 12-month journey, these captured memories are compiled and printed as a personalised, full-colour, hardcover book that will be a treasured heirloom for generations to come – just as my father’s has become for my family and me.

To purchase a Histography gift voucher for you or someone you love, visit www.histography.com.