A peaceful view from Marcy Field (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

My father’s birthday was a few days ago, and though he passed many years ago, I sent my children the annual note reminding them of a few of their grandfather’s stories. Some of the events I share are not from my memories but accounts he shared with me about previous generations.

I never met my paternal grandfather, but according to his son, I know their history. I, in turn, share those tales with my own children. My father understood the only way I would know my grandfather was through the memories of his 16-year-old self.

According to the Smithsonian Institute, “Oral history is a technique for generating original, historically interesting information … from personal recollections through planned recorded interviews. This method of interviewing is used to preserve the voice, memories, and perspectives of people in history.” This is a formal way of preserving local stories. As part of the Oral History Project, Historic Saranac Lake (HSL) saves local history through its mobile history booth, The Cure Porch on Wheels. From documented interviews to online questionnaires and social media interaction, HSL captures local reports for future generations. (Please get in touch with them directly if you wish to be a part of the Oral History Project by calling 518-891-4606.)

Oral history is the personal, relatable side of history. Keep in mind that our memories are faulty and biased. We romanticize painful details and brush over facts. Oral histories shared around the kitchen table are different from the formal recorded gatherings of a trained interview, which result in a preserved unedited recording. Both versions are important.

We need the formal oral historical version to bring communities together. A shared history helps us learn from each other and understand different perspectives. Future generations can listen, learn, relate to hardships, or find connections. The kitchen table anecdotes are vital as well. Those are the hijinks that allow younger generations to relate to older family members. My father may not be around my children, but I keep his memory alive through his experiences and love of history. I hope you continue to share your loved ones’ stories.

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CORRECTION: An earlier version of this column incorrectly referred to Historic Saranac Lake as the Saranac Lake Historical Society and included an incorrect phone number for HSL.