ABOUT

Project Memoir was founded out of my desire to capture the rich personal histories of my grandparents and extended family.

I used to see my grandparents often for meals and holidays, but our conversations never went very deep. We talked about school, food, and the weather, and that was usually it. I always felt there was so much I didn’t know about them, yet I wasn’t sure how to ask.

One afternoon, after lunch, I decided to try. I asked how they met, what brought them to California, and what their lives were like before I was born. What started as a few questions turned into hours of storytelling. Their voices grew lively, their faces brightened, and even when language got in the way, their expressions said everything. They laughed, teared up, and spoke with a kind of openness I had never seen before.

I began this project to record the stories of relatives like my grandparents, to preserve their life experiences and memories in writing. Over time, it grew into something larger, a space for anyone to share their stories and connect across cultures, generations, and beliefs. I love getting to know people in my community and beyond, hearing how their histories have shaped who they are today.

Part of this project also comes from a personal curiosity. My maternal grandfather grew up with nine siblings, and I have family scattered across Taiwan and around the world, many of whom I’ve never met. As a third-generation Taiwanese American who has only been to Taiwan a few times, I created this website out of a desire to understand my roots and connect with the people who share them.

-Milla Jans, Founder