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

To read or not to read? How to handle a deceased family member’s personal letters

Discovering a stack of handwritten letters can feel like winning the family history lottery—but is it always the right thing to read (or share) them?

dawn's musings, family history, remember lost loved onesDawn M. RoodeMay 27, 2024is reading my ancestor's letters an invasion of privacy, is it wrong to read letters from someone who died, should i read someone else's personal letters, are letters always valuable for family history Comments

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 14, 2023holiday grief, remembering lost loved ones, sharing stories about lost loved onesComment

“It was more for me than anyone else—what a surprise”

You may think you are writing about your life for your family—to honor your ancestors, to give a gift to your descendants. But the truth is deeper. You’ll see.

dawn's musings, why tell your stories?Dawn M. RoodeNovember 20, 2023is writing about my life good for me, is writing memoir conceited, the gift of telling my storiesComment

Are you ever intentional about your memories?

We all get a happy feeling when a “memory” pops up on a social feed on our phone. Just remember that you have access to ALL your memories ANY time you want!

dawn's musings, photo legacyDawn M. RoodeNovember 6, 2023why it's good to remember your childhood, reminiscence is good for your mental health, how to access your happy memories Comments