Protect memories before it’s too late

• By DAMON VEACH
• Special to Magazine
• Published: May 11, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Your Living Family Tree, Keeping Your Family Together Forever Through Print, Photos, Sound, and Video is a new book by Gordon Burgett and published and distributed by Communication Unlimited of Novato, Calif.

This is such a nice addition to any genealogical library, but it is especially great for those families who want to start a program for preserving mementoes of their past and present generations. Burgett outlines the process and describes it in such a way that it becomes a joy to engage in the compilation of the materials.

These materials are more than the researched lineages with all the dates and documents involved. The book delves into the personal aspect where things are recorded before they become completely forgotten happenings. Just think of this. A hundred years from now, we will only exist in memories, and sometimes there may not even be these memories because nothing was done to record the information. So many people are lost in time, but a living family tree will go on and on.

In this computer age, data can be stored easily, publications can be done to share with family, friends, and libraries, and pictures can preserve those images that will reach across the years and delight those who share an interest in family memories.

There is really no reason why family members — everyone — can’t leave a written, visual or oral record, or be an active presence in this sharing of memorable moments in time.

A research process of this type can enhance and promote closeness within families. Your life can unfold in some high school activity, a reunion of friends or classmates, a favorite movie or football game, the thrill of a church wedding or the birth of a first child, and then adding pictures of family reunions or beloved relatives can spread joy forever. This is not a process that involves a lot of time. It is a process that is continuous, but only you can determine if some incident or experience is to be recorded. Good times need to be remembered. 

When a family tree withers, there is little that can be done when future generations start compiling research materials. That’s when you have the census records, wills, land records, and all the other legal documents that are on file for permanent records of a given period in time. Unless there are descriptions of merit within these documents, there is really nothing personal for you to enjoy.

Where did your parents meet? Where did your grandparents live? How many children did your favorite aunt have? What happened when a relative went to fight in a war? These questions have to be answered and recorded by you. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Otherwise, it probably won’t happen, and the information will be lost forever.

Create some connecting device with your family members. Create a permanent family page for every member, and start a family directory so that you know where each one can be located by telephone or e-mail — or snail mail if there is no phone or computer available. Don’t overlook anyone. You can also start a key date list — birthdays, anniversaries, and other important events. A memorial section can be added for those who are gone — but not forgotten.

One of the most important things any family member can do is to talk to older relatives. This may sound boring to younger people, but the insights these individuals have is sometimes amazing. It just might be some of the most important data you have been given, but it will be lost if you don’t take that extra step and write it down. You can always record things on a piece of paper. Some people just aren’t comfortable with recording devices but the written word is okay and a valuable asset in any research collection.
It is up to you to plant the seed of interest in family history. It is important to introduce this at an early age. You will realize that some are more interested than others, but at least make the effort to get the spark introduced that may possibly ignite in later years. If you don’t, you have lost a source that just might be the end of the line in the recording of your personal history.

With digital cameras available now, you don’t have to wait until film is developed to make sure you have a good picture. A family history without pictures isn’t the thing to do now especially when you have so much to work with in way of photography equipment. Just remember that sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Take those pictures. They can be priceless in the future.
One thing to remember here also is to use those old pictures prior to the digital age. Make copies and post them on Web sites or share copies with relatives so that someone has access to them. Once a picture is gone, it most likely cannot be retrieved. It is also important to write a name or date on the back.

With those placed directly on a computer link, any data can be attached. The more info you have the better one has in understanding what was happening. It may be simple for you to understand, but make sure it is a simple process of understanding for others who will come across that later on.

Don’t overlook any photo opportunities — family reunions, graduations, weddings, church gatherings, club activities, or just enjoying a day at the zoo with your children. Record it while you can. Tomorrow may be too late.