Note: This article by Janet Helland appeared previously on the Granite Family History Center blog site and is used with the author’s permission.

Memories

“There isn’t a person you wouldn’t love if you could read their story.”

-Marjorie P. Hinckley

“The best loved stories are not from books or films but those from our own families.”

-Jayne MacGarvey

In preparing to teach the subject of “Sharing Family History” at the Granite Family History Center, I asked several of our consultants at the Center how they shared family history.  Using “memories” was by far and away the most popular.  It was such a joy to hear the stories and see pictures of their ancestors.  They were absolutely delighted to share!

In part four of Sharing Family History, we will explore ways we can share family history through memories, meaning our stories and keepsakes.

• Heirlooms can include tools, dishes, clothing, pictures, etc.  I have my grandma’s quilting frames.  Please remember, you don’t have to save everything.  If you can’t keep an item, take a picture of it and share on FamilySearch.  For information on what to keep and share, refer to Granite Family History blogs; “What Do I Do with This?” by Liz Kennington, January 2, 2019 or Laura Best Smith’s blog, May 11, 2021 or her RootsTech presentation, “I Got Stuck with Grandma’s Stuff.”  Also helpful is Jean Nasbitt’s presentation for the BYU Family History Library.

• Sharing family photos can evoke many powerful feelings towards our ancestors.  During the pandemic, I was able to cull through and upload many historic family photos.   On a Sunday afternoon, my son was looking at his ancestors on FamilySearch Family Tree.  As he looked at his Norwegian great-grandfather, he had the overwhelming feeling of gratitude for what he did in his lifetime to pave the way for my son.  A simple picture.  Powerful connection.

Our smart phones have made it so easy to upload family photos.  It’s as easy as snapping a picture on grandma’s wall and uploading it to FamilySearch.

Most family history centers are equipped with photo and slide scanners along with other digitizing equipment.  Consultants are on staff to assist you to upload your photos to FamilySearch.  You can also get help at: https://www.familysearch.org/memories/ and the Family History Guide for sharing your family history photos.

• Sharing stories.  Sometimes writing a history whether personal or for a loved one, can seem a bit daunting.  There are simple and effective ways to capture stories from one’s life.  For help see https://www.thefhguide.com/project-2-memories09.html

1) – Create a personal history binder.  Get a three-ring binder that you can easily add pages to.  Insert tabs that could include; childhood, school days, college, marriage, jobs, family, friends, church, service, etc.  As you remember an experience or have one told to you, simply add it to the binder under the appropriate tab.

2) – Online story services such as StoryWorth capture a story a week and then at the end of the year you have a book of your life’s experiences.  You could use this as a gift as well.

3) – Looking at the Stories version of your fan chart on FamilySearch will allow you to see who on your tree who has stories for you to read and who may need a story added.

4) – Ask for help from other family members to gather stories and photos to add to your Family Tree.  Keep track of who is assigned each branch of the family so you don’t duplicate your efforts.

SHARING FAMILY HISTORY is a beautiful way to discover and connect with our family and friends.  As Dennis B. Neuenschwander said, “I alone am the link to the generations that stand on either side of me. … The work of gathering and sharing eternal family [history] is a personal responsibility.”

Happy sharing!

Janet Helland – Assistant Director – Granite Family History Center