Have you ever looked at pictures taken from an important event and for the life of you, you couldn’t recall all of the names of the people in the photo, or the year that it was taken? This is why it is so important that you label all pictures and events with names and dates. Even label pictures that you are sure you will always remember. That way, you can ensure your family history will be kept alive for generations to come and even after you are gone.

Recording your memories as they happen is an important step towards keeping your family history alive. Be sure to keep mementos of important or memorable events to add to a scrapbook. If you are not a scrapbooker, just keep them in a sturdy “Memory Box/Chest.”

Items to keep include, but are not limited to the following:

When your children find these items years later, they will have tangible reminders of the meaningful times you all spent together. They might not remember all aspects of the event, but they will remember how they felt that day. They will feel the love and family bond you all share.

Chances are that there are memories and photos of your family that lack context. Try to find out the stories behind these memories before they are lost. Record everything you can remember of your parents and grandparents, so your kids have something to look back on. Knowing who their family was and where they came from can be very meaningful as your children grow older. Find old pictures and write the story behind the moment on the back. Ask your parents to tell you about their childhood or better yet, to go through the old pictures with you. You might be surprised about what you learn!

Your family history is an important part of who you are. Make an effort to keep it alive so that those memories and lessons are preserved for years to come.