I became the family historian back in 1990 when I lost my father abruptly. He was 49 and I had never thought to talk to him much about family history. So I started doing family research and talking to the older family members. The elders of the family are dwindling and soon my generation will be the elders…. So before I lose my memories or research I am going to put them online for future generations to discover.
In my years I have learned a few things that we should do, even if you aren’t the family historian, but for those that might be.
1. Write names, dates, places on those old pictures. For digital pictures, name or tag them with person name, date, etc.
2. Donate those old family bibles to the local genealogical society out library instead of throwing them out as the often contain a great deal of family history.
3. Provide accurate names and days in obituary notices. Provide parents names, where they worked, clubs, etc. This all helps paint the picture for the history of the family.
4. For those that are the historians talk to your family members, ask them about the times past, record the memories before they are gone and can’t talk them
The saddest thing is to be the last one of your generation and thinking that no one will have your memories to pass on. Tell your stories, write them down. Leave bread crumbs of who you are and who your family was. In this way your memories will live on through generations.
The Family Babble... 