To speak with a U.S.-based associate about your research request, call 1-800-596-3230

Why record oral histories?
- Preserve the memories and stories of loved ones before they are lost.
- Create something that can be shared with family members living today and with later generations.
- Enhance genealogical research by building onto the stories of who your ancestors were, what they meant to others, and what kind of legacy they left behind. An oral history adds memories and emotion to your ancestral story and allows you to take an active role in preserving your family’s history.
- Oral histories make great gifts!

What is included in an oral history project?
- One of our professional interviewers/writers will contact you to learn a bit more about the subjects and scope of the interview or interviews. This will allow them to prepare some questions and make the most efficient use of your time.
- The professional interviewer/writer will conduct the interview remotely (Travel for in-person interviews is also possible, if you prefer.)

Why hire a professional?
- Experienced interviewers know how to ask the right questions for capturing family history.
- We use high-quality recording equipment.
- People often open up more to non-family members, sharing crucial details.
- Professionals handle time-consuming transcription efficiently.
- Graphic designers create beautiful presentations, turning transcripts into family heirlooms.

How much does it cost?
- The cost for an oral history project can vary, based on the number of people interviewed and how much interview time is involved. (If our professional travels to do an in-person interview, that also adds to the cost of the project.)
- Our basic oral history package, consisting of a one-person interview for three hours, the creation of a digital audio file, and a copyedited transcript of the interview, starts at about $3,750.
Our Team of Experts
Erika Manternach
Erika Manternach has a diverse background in the fields of broadcast journalism...

Sandy McDougle
Sandy McDougle’s passion for graphic design began way back when she was a young...

Sapphire Heien
Sapphire Heien joined AncestryProGenealogists as a writer in 2021...

Shalese Hinckley
Shalese Hinckley joined the AncestryProGenealogists Storytelling Team...

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Ancestral Travel
"Just a short note to let you know how much we enjoyed our ancestral home visit. Everyone did a wonderful job and exceeded all of our expectations."
- The Smith Family
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Family History Book
"It would be impossible to truly convey the gratitude I have for the hard work you put into my heritage book, but I will try...thank you for the hours and hours of research, edits, drafts, interviews, and so much more. The care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail are evident on each page of the book. You both were an absolute pleasure to work with, and this was all made possible due to you."
Jim
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Unknown Parentage Research
"You have no idea how much I appreciate what you and your team have done for me. I've been on the phone almost every day with my sister and both of my cousins. Carol and I are traveling to Tennessee to see my cousins and their families and friends. I can't thank you all enough!"
Wayne
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Family History Book
"It would be impossible to truly convey the gratitude I have for the hard work you put into my heritage book, but I will try...thank you for the hours and hours of research, edits, drafts, interviews, and so much more. The care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail are evident on each page of the book. You both were an absolute pleasure to work with, and this was all made possible due to you."
Jim
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Ancestral Travel
"Just a short note to let you know how much we enjoyed our ancestral home visit. Everyone did a wonderful job and exceeded all of our expectations"
David
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Genealogy Research
"Your research and documents were more than I could have hoped for. Thanks you for the regular updates. I felt like I was part of the journey. My questions were always answered and my requests were granted."
John