You may not think about preserving family memories, or more specifically, the mementos that represent them, on a day-to-day basis. However, when your kids start asking about older relatives, you might wish you had done more. Especially if you discover that the photos have somehow been damaged or lost. It is important to capture family memories and record your family heritage. These things are a source of shared identity for families. Safeguard the items that relate to your family history in order to pass them on to future generations. Luckily, there are several simple steps you can take to protect and preserve you most important family memories.
A few options for safeguarding family photos and videos
Scan old family photos.
You may have noticed that even the photos you’ve put into albums are starting to yellow or fade with age. If you want to preserve these family time images, you should definitely consider a scanner. This will allow you to digitize your old photos and copy them to disc or hard drive. Once your photos are scanned, you have the ability to correct them digitally. You can remove the signs of aging making them as sharp and clear as the day they were taken. Sometimes even better! Additionally, you have the satisfaction of knowing that the images won’t degrade and further. You may also want to check out these green scrapbooking tips if you want to make some photo albums. The old photos themselves are fun to share in this way but much more subject to deterioration.
Digitize old family videos.
Many family videos are on tape or even reel-to-reel (cellulose film). This will degrade over time, even when stored in optimum conditions (a temperature-controlled environment, for example). Considering that most of these videos are probably stacked in boxes in the attack or garage, they may not last long at all. However, there are services that can transfer your analog video to a digital format (i.e. a video file). You should definitely seek them out in order to preserve the images and sounds that they hold.
Share via cloud network.
Digitizing photos and videos has the added benefit of easy sharing. It is nice to share your precious family memories with family. Not only will they appreciate it but it acts as an extra safeguard for extended family to have access to photos, videos, and written content. Instead of making dozens of copies, you can actually sign up for a cloud network service. This will not only safely store your sensitive files, but also allow specified family members to access them. This is a safe way to ensure that your special memories are available for all family members to share.
Preserve Family History and Heritage
Start a written family history for recording family memories.
Family stories that are passed on orally tend to change over time, much like a children’s game of telephone. If you want your kids, grandkids, and future family members to know the important stories that have shaped the lives of past generations, begin to interview older relatives. Write down their accounts of past events and family history.
Care for family heirlooms.
In addition to preserving the images, voices, and history of your family members, you probably have heirlooms that have been handed down from one generation to the next. Some of family heirlooms may be purely sentimental, but others will likely have some monetary value. Items such as jewelry, furniture, musical instruments, artwork, and so on gain value the longer they age. But in order for these items to hold their value you need to make sure the family heirlooms are kept in good condition. This could mean contacting professionals for cleaning and repairs.
Family And Memories Quotes
Here are a few cool family and memories quotes to inspire you to take action!
“The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.” – Og Mandino
“The love in our family flows strong and deep, leaving us memories to treasure and keep.” -unknown
“In truth, a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring, and love…” -Marge Kennedy
“The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.” -unknown
Conclusion
I hope you find these tips helpful in safeguarding your family memories. Family is what really matters in this life. I am sure you will be glad to have your memories saved and share them with your family.
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