Are you weighed down by the stuff of your family’s memories?

Boxes of old letters, family photos, and mementos from a generation ago can feel like a burden if they’re passed down without context. What to do with them.

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How to preserve the stories behind your family heirlooms

Whether your family heirloom collection consists of generations’ worth of antiques or a handful of sentimental items, catalog them for the next generation.

family history, book ideas & inspirationDawn M. RoodeJuly 17, 2023how do I document family heirlooms, stories of our stuff, family heirloom stories, documenting family heirlooms, family heirloomsComment

The best graphics to add to your family history book

Beyond family photos: Consider adding vintage maps, family tree charts, and professionally shot images of special heirlooms to your family history book.

family history, photo legacyDawn M. RoodeAugust 15, 2022family tree charts in your family history book, how to photograph family heirlooms, include maps in your family history book, family heirloomsComment

Why not make your own legacy list?

Whether you're downsizing or consciously sorting through your stuff, make a legacy list of items that hold memories—it's a cheat sheet to your family history.

family historyDawn M. RoodeMarch 21, 2022family heirloom stories, stories of our stuff, legacy list, documenting family heirlooms, family heirloomsComment

The (real) value of your parents’ stuff

When aging parents have lots of stuff, their children often do not want it when they die—but it’s the memories associated with the stuff that makes them heirlooms.

remember lost loved ones, family historyDawn M. RoodeAugust 24, 2017is it a family heirloom or just stuff, downsizing now to spare your children later, family heirlooms as burden, family heirloom stories, family heirlooms Comment

The tyranny of the family heirloom

Maybe it's true that "nobody wants your parents' stuff," but before you donate their things, tell the stories of your family heirlooms, preserving your memories.