The UpBEAT History Group continues to meet virtually.  Presenters range from local historical society associates to a variety of other community members who offer a wealth of information about historical interests. 

Life histories, memoir and other kinds of life writing date back to at least Augustine and are a valuable tool for understanding both daily life in a particular historical period and the human condition. They’re also a powerful way of bearing witness to important events and to give voice to those who are otherwise overlooked. Memoir, in particular, has become incredibly popular in the last few decades.

Join us virtually, by computer or phone, on Thursday, September 10, from 10-11 a.m., when Dr. Talinn Phillips will help us start identifying useful distinctions among different types of life writing. We’ll then discuss possible goals and some paths forward for your own work. Are you most interested in recording some specific experiences? In helping your family members understand something about your early life? We’ll offer some strategies for actually getting the text down on paper and you’ll leave with some recommended reading, a list of writing prompts to get you started and some tools for planning your life history or memoir.

Dr. Talinn Phillips is an Associate Professor of English at Ohio University where she teaches academic writing and also directs the Graduate Writing and Research Center. Memoir and other forms of life writing are one of her favorite genres to both read and teach.

To learn how you can join us virtually (by computer or phone), please call Caitlin Bond, UpBEAT Program Coordinator at (740) 566.4680.

UpBEAT (Be Educated and Active Together) is a program for those 55 years and older. Membership is free. To join UpBEAT and receive our monthly newsletter, or for program information, call Caitlin Bond, UpBEAT Program Coordinator, at (740) 566.4680.