Fargo Entrepreneur Revives Family Histories Through Storytelling

A Fargo-based entrepreneur is transforming how families document their histories through engaging storytelling. Valerie Monson, the founder of History Catchers, specializes in capturing personal narratives via video, audio recordings, and written mini-biographies. Her goal is to preserve cherished family tales that risk being forgotten.

Monson’s journey began at a young age, sparked by an impactful moment with her great-grandmother, Mabel. At just 11 years old, Monson used a cassette recorder to interview Mabel, who shared riveting stories, including her experience during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Mabel was the sole staff member at the Northern Pacific depot in Dilworth, Minnesota, keeping the station operational while all other workers fell ill. “That was the first time I realized the power of capturing someone’s story,” Monson recalled. “It would have been lost.”

Years later, Monson confronted a personal loss that ignited her passion for storytelling. Following the unexpected death of her father at 69, she reflected on the stories he had shared and the regret of not having documented them. “When he died, that knowledge died with him,” she said. This realization prompted Monson to turn her childhood dream into reality, launching History Catchers in 2024.

Monson collaborates with families to create personalized documentaries that honor their legacies. Her process is both methodical and heartfelt. She meets clients in their homes, preparing them with sample questions like “What was your first memory?” and “What message do you want to leave for your grandchildren?” This approach fosters an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories.

The emotional weight of these sessions often leads to unexpected revelations. “Every single experience I’ve had, someone says, ‘I never knew that,’” Monson noted. She emphasizes the importance of capturing these moments, as they can reveal insights and deepen family connections.

Monson understands that some elders may feel apprehensive about sharing their stories on camera. “They’re shy, and you don’t draw attention to yourself and you don’t brag,” she explained. She works at the storyteller’s pace, allowing them to dictate how their history is shared. Packages for her services start around $250, making the experience accessible to various families.

As the holiday season approaches, Monson urges families to seize the opportunity to record their histories. “History is so fragile,” she said. “You can make friends with an era, but you’re not going to get your grandma’s story from anyone else. When it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Through her work, Monson aims to ensure that the rich tapestry of family histories is preserved for future generations, allowing stories to be cherished and passed down. Her mission highlights the vital role of storytelling in keeping family legacies alive.