The premier biography company. We’re skilled interviewers and gifted storytellers who are passionate about creating magical works of art from your stories and photographs.
Why You?
Because you are the only one who can tell the stories that are uniquely yours. Because you are the only one who can share special memories of your parents or grandparents. Because people have started to gently nudge you that it’s important to record certain things for future generations. If not you, who? If not now, when?
Why Us?
The reputation and integrity of our team are unsurpassed. Just ask our past clients. Read what they say at right, or check out more about the company’s principals below.
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Jeanne Archer, founder, in her own words:
My passion for recording life stories began when I was 15 years old and living with my family in Sicily. My grandparents visited us, and for some reason I can’t explain, I was compelled to record my grandfather’s voice on my new tape recorder.
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It’s been said that every family has a story keeper. Over the years, I’ve taken on that role. After my grandfather died, I lived with my grandmother and I loved to hear her tales about the people in our old family photos. As we shared cups of tea, I tape recorded some of her stories. Though we were more than 50 years apart in age, we weren’t so different in terms of what motivated and inspired us.
A few years after capturing my grandmother’s stories, I was fortunate to record my mother’s voice as she shared the stories of cherished family heirlooms. A short time later, I preserved my father’s tales of his life as a submarine officer in World War II.
My role as a story keeper was sealed.
I founded our biography company in 2001. Almost immediately afterwards, I “discovered” the Association of Personal Historians (APH), an international organization of men and women who help others preserve their life stories. Within five years of joining the organization, I was president.
Now, nine years later, I am thrilled that our company has a top notch reputation for capturing stories for people and organizations around the world.
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Andy Archer, partner, in his own words:
I’ve always enjoyed the stories of my family: tales about submarines in World War II, growing up in the Great Depression, overcoming polio to become a beloved family physician and living in the shadows of a volcano in Italy. Just to name a few. |
It was not until I witnessed my mother, Jeanne, delivering a final project to a Tell Studios client that I truly understood the impact and power of preserving stories for future generations.
For me, it was a surprisingly moving experience to see the client placing both of her hands on the final version of her book. I could see how fulfilling and rewarding it was for her to know that her stories — as well as the stories of her husband, parents and grandparents who had since passed on — would be preserved for generations to come.
The meaning of family and life histories became even more personal to me upon completion of my grandfather’s book about his experiences in World War II. I’d heard many of the stories on separate occasions but it was not until I read the book that I understood how they all tied together and saw the significance of my grandfather’s service in helping the broader cause.
The project my grandfather completed with my mother helped me appreciate his values and who he is today. I consider the book a priceless heirloom and I’m grateful that my son will have the opportunity to truly know his great-grandfather through this remarkable book.
As happy as I am to have the book about my mother’s father, I am equally saddened that we never wrote down the stories of my dad’s father. Luckily, some of his stories live on through my grandmother and our family, but it’s not the same as having the stories in Granddad’s voice.
Testimonials:
We’re all so thrilled with Mother’s book, and we fully realize that it would never have happened without you. And would never have been so beautiful without you. And would never have been so thoughtfully put together or sensitive to the person that she really is. We so appreciate you and the work that you do, and especially how lovely you were to Mother. You just became family to us, and we’ll always feel that way.
You and your team have worked so well to achieve exactly what John and I had in mind all along. Not a book about construction, but a book about a man, a dream and the courage to reach his goals, always finding a way to make it happen. In addition to all of the above, John and I both feel like we have made a lifelong friend in you. Your kindness, talent, and love for what you do are so apparent in your work. I so enjoyed working with you. It has been just a real blessing to us that our paths crossed when they did. We could not have made a more perfect choice in the person to accomplish this very special book. You have our deepest gratitude for maintaining integrity in what you do to match the integrity of the man you wrote about.
This morning I had the privilege of reading It Wasn’t My Fault. It is absolutely, positively wonderful! You have captured my father-in-law perfectly. There were times I could hear him telling the story just as you had written it. Thank you for the family history! Thank you for your talent, time and energy in creating a book that is truly Robert.
As I’ve thought back on our time together, I’ve realized that I haven’t thanked you nearly enough for the person you are. You know more about me than any of my other friends and probably my children. You have made it such a pleasant experience. I just don’t have the words to thank you. You’re so, so good at what you do, and you are a better interviewer than Katie Couric.
The DVD played to 100 guests, and there weren’t too many dry eyes in the house. We played it five or six times over the afternoon, and applause broke out every time. A number of Mom’s lifelong friends all sat at her table, and some had tears streaming down their cheeks. My sisters had no idea what the video would be, and they cried, too. Talk about a powerful way to deliver a message. The day was beautiful, the food and wine were magnificent, and you guys made us look so good. Thank you for the idea, thank you for the rapid execution, and thank you for the memories. Mother said it will be the most memorable birthday she has ever had.
Our book is wonderful! I look at Jack’s face when different ones call him, and he beams! Due to your patience and persistence, it turned into a great, honest book. I thought the pictures were beautiful, and your printer brought out the colors so clearly. As you can tell . . . we love it! Many thanks to you. We think you are the best!
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