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Have you ever thought about how the treasures in your home—the keepsakes, photos, and heirlooms—could tell a deeper story about your family? Family history research doesn’t just come from documents and databases. It’s the personal stories that bring your genealogy to life. But how do you start weaving these stories into your history?
Looking around your home, you might feel overwhelmed or think, “I don’t have anything worth documenting.” Or maybe you’re on the opposite end and wonder, “Where do I even begin with all this stuff?”
Let’s tackle this together and find the easiest way to start preserving your family’s story.
Overwhelmed by the Idea of Writing Personal History? Look Around!
Writing your personal or family history can feel intimidating, but here’s a little secret: you’ve already got a great starting point, and it’s sitting right in front of you—your home! Your treasures and keepsakes are the perfect jumping-off point to make documenting your history fun, not a chore.
Look up from this post at your home. What do you see?
Do you have anything adorning your walls?
Are your shelves filled with souvenirs or collections?
What keepsakes lay tucked away in boxes for safekeeping?
What treasures are in your kitchen, bedroom, and living room?
It doesn’t matter if you live in a one-room flat or a sprawling house—what you own tells a story.
After looking around, did you say:
“I keep things simple; there’s not much here.”
“I have too much—I don’t even know where to start!”
“I’ve got functional pieces mixed with life’s treasures.”
None of the above
How to Preserve Your Treasures with Photos
You’ve heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” That’s especially true when it comes to preserving keepsakes. But not all photos tell the full story—so here are four tips to photograph your treasures like a pro.
1. Capture Clothing on a Model
If you’re preserving clothing, it helps to see it worn. A model can bring a piece of clothing to life, showcasing its details and telling its story. Plus, if the model has fun with it, you might capture a memory-filled moment that enhances the treasure.
This item looks terrible on a white background.
2. Keep It Simple with a Clean Background
Use a plain background, like a white cloth, to let your item shine. But be mindful—some items, especially white ones, don’t work well on a light background.
For pieces like a baseball, try photographing them in a meaningful setting, like on grass, to help the story come alive.
Choose your background intentionally.
A Texas A&M University ring has many symbols on three sides.
3. Show Multiple Angles
Your keepsakes aren’t flat, so why should your photos be? Photograph items from several angles to capture all their dimensions. For example, a college ring might have different symbols on each side, and photographing just the top would miss the rich details and symbolism from the sides. I would fail to preserve my college ring's history, which is one of my greatest treasures.
Additionally, try photographing stuffed animals from many angles.
Try the following positions: shoot from above, straight-on, and the side.
Manipulate your family treasures by stuffing, fluffing, propping, and twisting to capture a memory-evoking shot.
Photographed individually, the items tell a dull story.
4. Group Items for a Bigger Story
Some treasures are part of a set, like your graduation cap, tassel, and diploma. When photographed together, they tell a richer, fuller story than they would alone. Create a scene that brings your memories to life and captures the emotions of those moments.
Preserve the Treasures in Your Home Through Words
Photographs are important, but without the stories behind them, they’re just pictures. Pairing your photos with written memories turns your keepsakes into family history. Here are a few ways to get started:
Label Your Prints
Print your photos and jot the story on the back. Include when and where the item came into your life, who owned it before you (if applicable), and why it holds meaning. This simple act adds tremendous value to each treasure.
Create a Photo Journal
If you prefer something more creative, paste your photos into a journal. Write about each object, describing its origins and the memories it sparks. Don’t forget to note who might inherit the treasure one day!
Design a Keepsake Photobook
Digital photo books from services like Shutterfly or Mixbook allow you to create beautiful, lasting records of your treasures. Include large photos of each item paired with its story on the opposite page. You can even organize your book by theme—graduation, vacations, holidays—the possibilities are endless.
Include Pictures Treasures on a Scrapbook Layout
You don’t have to segregate your treasures into their own project. In a scrapbook, you can incorporate the pictures and stories of keepsakes on an individual page.
If you made a page about your involvement in track and field, you could include a photo of your first-place state finals trophy on the page.
Add to a Family History Book
If you’re already compiling a family history book, don’t forget to add your keepsakes. Photos of meaningful objects woven into your ancestors’ stories help readers visualize their world. Captions can add context, and a photo of your grandfather’s watch might make his story feel more tangible.
↪️ Are you looking for more genealogy resources?
Grab your copy of these FREE Genealogy Research Guides.
Sharing Your Treasure Stories Online
In today’s digital world, you can go beyond physical books to share your family’s treasures.
Utilize the FamilySearch Memories section and tag the owners of the treasures.
Upload the images to individuals on Ancestry.com.
Write a blog about your items and label the post “Treasure Chest Thursday.”
Share your photos on Instagram or Facebook.
Your Treasures Are More Than Just Things
It’s time to stop thinking of the objects in your home as “just stuff” and start seeing them as the building blocks of your personal history. By photographing and writing about your treasures, you’ll preserve your family’s story for future generations—and maybe have a little fun along the way.
So, what will you start with?
Additionally, by preserving your family treasures in this way, you’re ahead of the game when it comes time to downsize your home with family history in mind.
