Family heirlooms are priceless connections to our family history. But for an heirloom to remain meaningful, younger generations need to know why it is part of the family story. Otherwise, grandma’s candlesticks or great-grandpa’s tools might end up at a thrift store, featured on an episode of ‘Pawn Stars’ or simply tossed in the garbage.
Our Family Heirlooms
It’s all too easy to assume our children will value a family heirloom as we do. The reality is that unless stories accompany an heirloom, younger generations are unlikely to understand its significance within the family.
Do you know the stories behind your family heirlooms? Where they came from? Who acquired it, when, how and why?
Family Stories
If you want to ensure your heirlooms remain in the family there are several things you can do. Start by taking inventory and writing a brief story on the history of each piece. If you’re not sure of an heirloom’s origin, ask other family members what they remember. Include your own thoughts on why it is meaningful to you.
When finished, make several copies and give one to each family member along with a photo of the heirloom. Keep a copy of the story with each family heirloom or at least label it in some way.
Finally, make a point of talking about and using your family heirlooms during the holidays such as on Thanksgiving or Christmas. This way their importance within the family is heard, discussed and owned.
Connecting Generations
Family heirlooms connect a family’s past with its present and keep a family’s story alive. If you are lucky enough to have family heirlooms to pass down, ensure your descendants value them as you do by preserving their stories.
~ Legacy Videos ~
Give your family the gift of a lifetime by capturing your life story for your family to know!
Here at Family Tree Video we produce Legacy Videos, modern-day memoirs that weave a filmed interview together with family photos, documents, maps and other memorabilia. The result is a beautiful “moving portrait” capturing you sharing your life story, family history and memories – a gift your family will treasure for generations to come.
To learn more about giving the gift of a Legacy Video, visit FamilyTreeVideo.com.
Family Tree Video, LLC
Legacy Video Production
Since 2008
Susan Saunders
(312) 402-6406
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Family Heirlooms
Legacy Videos
Capturing Life Stories & Family History
for Future Generations
~ The Gift of a Lifetime ~
“There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children.
One is roots, and the other, wings.” H. S. Carter
Family Tree Video
Video Biographies ~ Video Memoir ~ Family History Videos
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Video Tributes ~ Heirloom Videos
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