Family heirlooms are not just antiques and old possessions; they’re memories carrying the stories of generations past. While some hold monetary value, most are priceless because of the emotional connections to deceased family members. These treasures link us to our roots and help shape our family identity.
Recording Heirloom Stories
Winter is a great time to get families together and share stories if you’re in a cold climate like the Circa Legacy team in Iowa. Use slower winter weekends to connect with loved ones through calls, emails, or cozy family gatherings at the kitchen table, and share and record the stories behind your family heirlooms.
From black and white photographs in ragged old albums to antique necklaces and watches, family heirlooms remind us of loved ones who are no longer here.
So, let’s get started preserving the stories behind your cherished family treasures!
Information to Include
When recording the history of your heirlooms, it’s essential to provide as much information as possible. You can begin by detailing the origin of the heirloom, including the date it was made or acquired by your family, the person or event associated with its introduction to the family, and any notable events surrounding its possession.
Talk about the craftsmanship, materials, and unique features that make the heirloom special. Remember to capture the emotions associated with the heirloom by sharing stories or memories that reflect its role in family life. Include any relevant documentation, such as old photographs, letters, or certificates, to add depth and authenticity to the historical account.
Lastly, document any changes in ownership or notable events tied to the heirloom over the years. Finally, if you have the heirloom, write down who you want to be the next owner and why.
Family Heirloom Story Example
Heirloom: Wooden rocking horse
Who owns it: My oldest son, Mazian
When he received it: As you can see by the picture to the left, Maze received this rocking horse when he was about two months old in February 2005. It was delivered to our home in Des Moines by Grandpa Pud and Grandma Maxine, his great-grandparents.
Who made it: My Grandpa Pud made this rocking horse in his woodshop in the backyard of his home in Linden. (He also built his house and the shop!) Grandpa was a master carpenter.
The story behind it: When I was pregnant in 2004, I got the idea to find a rocking horse woodworking pattern and ask Grandpa to make me one. It was a pretty intricate design with many expensive woods in the pattern. And, as always, Grandpa built it perfectly. Grandma called me one day while I was home on maternity leave and asked if she and Grandpa could visit and bring me lunch and a present. They showed up with fried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, and sugar cookies. It was delicious, and we had such a fun afternoon together.
Why it’s special: When he gave us the horse, Grandpa told me the pattern allowed you to choose wooden or leather material for the ears. He asked his younger brother, Gay, where to get some ear leather. He and Gay were so creative that they cut the leather ears from an old pair of Gay’s boots. I love how they repurposed something old and turned it into a family heirloom.
Who will inherit it: I will keep the horse safe in my home until Maze has a house and asks for it. If he chooses not to have kids, I’ll give it to the first grandchild.
Ways to Preserve Family Heirloom Stories
There’s no right or wrong way to record history. However, the Circa Legacy team suggests you take the time to write down or at least print written histories. Hence, you never have to worry about technology changes that might make your histories obsolete and unwatchable.
Ideally, if you use digital preservation methods, you’ll always transcribe the video conversations for easy access.
Written Preservation Ideas:
- Create a dedicated family heirloom journal to handwrite stories and memories.
- Attach small tags or labels to heirlooms with brief anecdotes, ensuring the stories are physically connected to the items.
- Create heirloom scrapbooks with photos, artifacts, and stories about each item.
Digital Preservation:
- Record oral histories using smartphones or audio recorders.
- Record videos that feature the heirlooms and people discussing their history.
- Digitize old photographs and documents, organizing them into a shared family cloud.
Involving Different Generations
Older family members bring firsthand knowledge and personal experiences, adding authenticity and historical context. Please encourage them to share their memories with younger family members so they can gain a deeper understanding of their heritage.
The younger generation, in turn, provides fresh perspectives, questions, and technological know-how, ensuring that the storytelling process remains dynamic and relevant. This intergenerational collaboration strengthens family bonds and ensures a more exciting story.
Preserving your family’s legacy is a journey worth taking. If you need help transforming your heirloom stories into a family history book that can be cherished for generations, our team can help. Contact us today.
