MyHeritage, the leading global platform for family history and DNA testing, has introduced a new service called MyStories, enabling individuals to capture their personal histories in a beautifully printed book. This innovative service is designed to make the process of writing a memoir easier, turning cherished memories into lasting keepsakes for future generations.
The MyStories service works by sending the storyteller one email per week with thoughtful questions that prompt them to reflect on significant memories or milestones. Questions range from telling the story of meeting one’s spouse to offering words of wisdom for future generations. Users simply reply to the emails, sharing their answers along with any photos they’d like to include. The questions can be tailored to the storyteller’s preferences, and users have the flexibility to modify or rearrange them as desired.
The service allows users to work at their own pace, answering the weekly prompts over the course of a year, or choosing to take their time. MyStories is designed to be easy to use, with no technical skills required, making it an ideal gift for parents or grandparents looking to preserve their life experiences. By responding to the prompts, these family members can create a rich narrative of their life story, turning it into a treasured keepsake. For those gifting MyStories, recipients will directly receive the email prompts, offering a simple and personal way to preserve their memories.
Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage, expressed the significance of the service, saying: “MyStories is an important addition to MyHeritage’s suite of family history products. With MyStories, anyone can become the proud author of a book that will become an heirloom for their family. Time isn’t on our side; as the years go by, the stories of our loved ones risk being lost. The time to preserve them is now.”
MyStories has already garnered praise from prominent family history experts. Janna Helshtein, a DNA expert, shared her experience: “I had no idea how many stories were hidden inside me. As soon as I started answering the questions, the stories just poured out. It was very emotional.” Genealogy expert James Tanner also commented, “As I get older, I have become aware of how little my 34 grandchildren know about me. MyStories provides a way for me to make my life known for posterity.”
For over two decades, MyHeritage has inspired millions to uncover more about their roots and heritage. While historical records, photos, and family trees provide essential details, it is often the personal stories and memories that bring family history to life. MyStories helps fill this gap by encouraging individuals to document their personal histories and preserve them in high-quality hardcover books, ensuring their legacies are remembered for generations to come.
Currently available in English, MyStories will soon be offered in additional languages. The service is priced at $99 and includes weekly story prompts, along with a beautifully printed hardcover book. Shipping within the United States is free, with international shipping available. MyHeritage subscribers with a Complete or Omni plan can enjoy a loyalty discount on their purchase. The book can be personalised, edited, and extra copies can be ordered. Each book can also be downloaded as a PDF and added to a family tree on MyHeritage as a digital keepsake.
