Visiting Family This Summer? Time to Preserve Their Stories!
Summer often gives us the chance to spend more time with our family. Whether you're going out of state for a family reunion or just getting together for a BBQ around the block, these gatherings are about much more than sharing a meal or spending time together. These types of events are the perfect opportunity to take a moment and preserve some of your family's history.
It's easy to focus on catching up and taking a few group photos, but some of the most meaningful memories are the stories that get shared around the dinner table, on the back porch, or during a long afternoon together. Here are some things to think about when you are with your family this summer!
Ask Questions About Your History While You're Together With Your Family
Every family has stories that only exist because someone remembers them.
Instead of waiting for "someday," ask a few questions while you're together (and record them either with a voice notes app or on video):
What is your earliest memory?
What was your childhood home like?
Who in our family do you wish I had known?
What traditions did your parents have?
What's a story you've never told us?
What family recipe has been passed down?
What was your first job?
What do you hope future generations know about our family?
You don't need a formal interview. Sometimes the best stories come naturally when one question leads to another and the conversation flows from one memory to the next.
Preserving Family History is More Than Just Taking Photos
Most smartphones can capture high-quality audio and video. Consider recording:
A favorite family recipe being made.
Grandpa explaining an old photograph.
Grandma telling how she met Grandpa.
A tour of the family home.
Someone demonstrating a hobby or tradition.
Family members laughing together over old memories.
Family members playing a game or sport together.
These recordings preserve voices, expressions, and personalities that still photographs simply can't capture.
Bring Old Photos Along When Visiting Family Members
Summer visits are also a wonderful time to identify the people in old photographs while you are visiting relatives. Bring along a few albums or scanned images when traveling and ask:
Who is this?
Where was this taken?
What was happening that day?
Do you remember anyone else who was there?
You'll often uncover stories that would otherwise be lost, along with names, dates, and places that make your family archive far more meaningful. Don’t forget to record this information!
Capturing Today's Memories With Intention Leads to Tomorrow’s History
While you're documenting the past, don't forget the present. Take photos and videos of:
Cousins playing together.
Generations gathered around the table.
Family traditions in action.
The everyday moments between the posed pictures.
Hands making pie together or working in the garden.
The house that's been in the family for decades.
These are tomorrow's family history happening in the moment, and you have the opportunity to document and preserve them with intention. Don't worry about creating perfect photographs rather focus on capturing genuine moments and meaningful connections. Someday, today's ordinary summer afternoon may become one of your family's most treasured memories, simply because you took the time to preserve it thoughtfully.
Don't Wait To Preserve Your Family’s History Until No One Is Around Who Can Help You
One of the most common things we hear from clients is: "I wish I had asked more questions about my family." Family stories disappear quietly and not because people don't want to share them, but because we assume there will always be another visit.
This summer, if you're traveling to spend time with family, take an extra fifteen minutes to ask a few questions, record a conversation, or label a handful of old photographs together. Those small moments may become some of the most valuable pieces of your family archive.
At The Family Archivists, we believe preserving your family history isn't just about safeguarding photographs—it's about preserving the stories, voices, and connections that give those images meaning. When you combine the two, you're creating a legacy that future generations will truly understand. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.