Family histories are fantastic, and the easiest way to record them is with the smartphone you have in your pocket.
I did several pieces on this for USA TODAY, and since the search for my old stuff isn't great, I thought I'd compile them here.
Record mom on a smartphone: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/05/10/mothers-day-interview-your-mom-record-on-your-phone/101420112/
How to get great photos of Mom: https://jeffersongraham.substack.com/p/5-tips-for-photographing-mom
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/12/talk-to-dad-on-video-for-fathers-day/10203051/