“Who listens to you?”

We are a world of talkers, but what we need is to listen, and to be listened to. Find inspiration from author Kate Murphy and personal historian Dawn Roode.

the art of listening, dawn's musingsDawn M. RoodeMarch 31, 2025kate murphy book you're not listening review, how listening strengthens empathy, the power of listeningComment

“People still buy handmade shoes.”

As AI gets better and more accessible, will there still be a need for in-person story sharing services offered by personal biographers and historians? Yes!

dawn's musings, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeJanuary 27, 2025is ai taking over family history storytelling, there will always be a need for human artists even after ai, should i use ai to help write my memoir, how to use ai in my family history preservationComment

Missing a loved one this holiday season?

Dawn Roode offers up four suggestions for further reading (and listening) for anyone who, like her, is missing a friend or family member during the holidays.

dawn's musings, remember lost loved onesDawn M. RoodeDecember 19, 2024holiday grief, remembering lost loved ones, sharing stories about lost loved onesComment

Hello, it’s me—the person behind the brand

Modern Heirloom Books is a business, of course, but it’s a business defined by one person’s mission, expertise, and passion—and I’m pleased to meet you!

dawn's musingsDawn M. RoodeAugust 12, 2024dawn roode founder of modern heirloom books, personal historian dawn roode, who runs modern heirloom books in the greater ny nj areaComment

All five-star reviews for Modern Heirloom Books!

What better way to scope out if a personal historian is a good fit for you than to hear about others’ experiences, in their own words? I am humbled and proud.

reviews, dawn's musingsDawn M. RoodeJuly 29, 2024best reviewed personal history company, what is it like to work with Dawn at Modern Heirloom Books, who can help me write my life story reviewsComment

In conversation about “the gift of family stories”

Podcast host Melissa Ceria and personal historian Dawn Roode discuss the importance of family history preservation and finding solace in stories after loss.

dawn's musings, family historyDawn M. RoodeJune 24, 2024dawn roode and melissa ceria in conversation about family stories, the loss encounters episode guest dawn roode, melissa ceria on the family history book her father gifted her family, the gift of family stories, podcast recommendation for memorykeepersComment

Why a recent life writing book isn’t on my recommended list

It’s important to me to stress some sense of urgency about writing about your life—but I don’t think you’ll have regrets if you don’t write about it ALL.

dawn's musings, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeJune 10, 2024why you should not worry about forgetting your life, don't write your memoir from a place of fear, worry about forgetting my lifeComment