Family heirlooms are treasured physical objects passed down through generations that carry the personal stories, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors, preserving family history and meaning for those who follow. Sometimes they are valuable because of their monetary worth or cost, and sometimes they are valuable for sentimental reasons. Historically, Family heirlooms usually fall into four main categories: Jewelry, Documents, Textiles, and Art. In previous generations, gold engagement rings or a pocket watch might be the only item of “value” that a family possessed. Before manufacturing and plastics, our ancestors were naturally owned fewer things , and they were concerned with owning things that had lasting value. They thought more about quality rather than quantity. They bought things that could be passed down from generation to generation. They bought with the next generation in mind , if they bought at all. Throughout history, survival has been the norm, with only realitivly wealthy families having anything to pass down at all.

Middle class families often pass down things that were made by them, and part of their everyday lives. These things look like quilts, baby clothing, and family Bibles. I am blessed to have my great grandfathers Bible, and my grandmothers Bible- complete with family records! I treasure these two items immensely. Quilts were labors of love, beautiful, and functional in a time before mass production of textile goods. Arts often include handcraft4ed items, paintings, carvings, and many more. Our ancestors were often clever and resourceful in the ways they decorated their homes, and these handmade items are wonderful heirlooms. I love a written record, and have had the pleasure of reading my husband’s great grandmothers journal from when her son (my husband’s grandfather) was in World War Two.

If you have any items like these passed down from older living relatives, it can be nice to record them telling the stories of the items, or the meanings behind them . You can do this with a written record, or simply a recorded video on your phone . I do encourage you to make the effort today, in some small way to preserve your family’s stories.