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What Is Digital Storytelling in Genealogy?


a clean and bright photograph of a hip 70 year old caucasian woman looking at her iPad enjoying something on the iPad together with her 2 grand children in the style of coca-cola ad campaing. The first child is a 7 yo girl. The second child is a 11 yo boy. The photograph is taken on a a day in mid April at 15am. The 70 yo woman holds an iPad. She and the two children have an amused and joyous expressions looking at the iPad. The 70 yo caucasian woman has black short wavy hair with ecrue highlights. She wears a yellow t-shirt and a red cotton pencil skirt with a front slit. The 7 yo girl sits left of her and points at something on the ipad with an amused expression. The girls has straight dark blond hair and wears a pink t-shirt. She has on a relaxed fit pair of jeans and red sneakers. The boy sits on the right side of his grandmother and also looks at the ipad with a big laugh on his face. He has blond curly hair. He wears a dark blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans with white sneakers. They sit snug together in the sunroom with large windows that let in tons of sunlight. They are seated on a dark purple velvet sofa. The interior of the sunroom is clean, bright, white and minimal with only a few essentials. They all have a joyous expressions on their faces, laughing about something on the ipad and enjoy their time together. snapshot aesthetic, jump cuts, uhd image, pentax k1000

Family history isn’t just about names and dates on a tree — it’s about bringing those people back to life through the stories we tell. That’s where digital storytelling comes in.


Digital storytelling is the art of combining historical records, visual elements, and narrative structure to create a story that not only informs but also connects.


The Heart of Digital Storytelling

At its core, digital storytelling in genealogy blends four key elements:

  1. Historical Records – Immigration documents, military files, letters, photographs, and other primary sources that ground your story in fact.

  2. Visual Elements – Images, videos, or graphics that help your audience see the person or moment you’re describing.

  3. Narrative Structure – A beginning, middle, and end that makes the story flow naturally.

  4. Emotional Connection – The “why” behind the story — why it matters to your family, your community, and maybe even the world.


Why It Matters

Digital storytelling is more than just a creative exercise. It’s a powerful way to:

  • Preserve Cultural HeritageFamily stories can fade with time, but when we record them digitally, they can be passed on for generations.

  • Connect the Past to the PresentStories bridge the gap between ancestors we’ve never met and the lives we live today.

  • Engage a Wider AudienceA well-told story shared online can spark curiosity, inspire others to research their own roots, and connect distant relatives.


A Quick Example


Black-and-white portrait of a young woman seated outdoors, likely taken in the 1940s. She wears a knee-length coat with a dark fur collar, gloves, and open-toe heels. Her legs are crossed, and her hair is styled in soft curls adorned with a large bow. The expression on her face is calm yet serious, with a hint of strength. Bare winter trees in the background and a stone wall beside her suggest the photo was taken in a cooler season.
June Stoner, 1945

One of my favorite examples from my own family history started with just one image and one caption:

This photo was taken shortly after my grandmother gave birth to my dad. Her husband, Ken, was away in the Navy during World War II. We don’t know if she was able to send him this photo. Sadly, she passed away before he returned home — before he ever got to meet his son.

That single photo, paired with the right words, holds a lifetime of emotion and history.


Your Next Step

If you’ve never tried digital storytelling before, start simple:

  1. Pick a single ancestor.

  2. Choose one record or photo connected to their life.

  3. Write 2–3 sentences that answer:

    • Where and when is this happening?

    • What challenge or event is taking place?

    • What happened next?


You’ll be amazed at how quickly a story starts to form.


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Your trust is important to me—your information stays safe and private. I also know that exploring your family’s story can raise questions and spark curiosity. If you’re wondering where to start or need a little guidance, reach out—I’m always here to help and would love to hear from you.

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