Each week this blog tries to add a step to the process of capturing, digitizing and archiving your family history to pass it on to future generations via video and book.  We introduce a new concept each Monday; expand on that concept on Wednesday; give a task on that concept on Friday.

This twelfth week of the process, we have been talking about reconnecting with family and our family’s past.  I shared how a simple letter from my father to his family written during WWII struck me.  I’d like to give your family a similar experience.  The task this week should be interesting.  Interesting now and fifty years into the future - maybe even further into the future than that!

The attached form is for you.  Click here.  Print it out and hand write your answers.  Then save it for future generations to see.  Don’t forget to date it.

P.S. I have other ideas for this exercise page so you may want to make a copy.  Put your original away for safe keeping and file the copy with your family history research – or scan it and keep the digital copy in your family history folder on your computer.

In among the box of photos and mementos that my sister brought me last week was this letter.  My father wrote it to his family while still in boot camp serving in WWII. A few things struck me that I had to share.

1.      It was not in an envelope but luckily Dad dated it!  It shook me how important that little date notation at the top of his letter meant.  It put a time frame to what he was sharing and thus is still sharing.  I will be putting a date on every piece of correspondence from now on.

2.      It was handwritten! Who knew that handwriting, print or cursive, would someday be an archaic idea?  Will correspondence ever be as personal again?  Will it ever require the time and thought and effort that it once did?

3.      He was 17.

4.      He wrote of what he had faced that day, how he felt, what he had done, who else he had heard from, how proud and happy he was for his older brother who had been promoted to “sarge.”  He was very excited that there was a possibility of him coming home on leave in a couple weeks.  He would be bringing a friend with him.  Could they possibly plan a good meal?

A simple letter home that my grandmother saved. 69 years later it is still precious, still meaningful, still giving insight as to what was happening and what was important to the writer. I will try to write a little something on the cards I send.  I’ll date them.  I’ll do what I can to encourage my grandchildren to write also - but keep enjoying the texts and emails they send as well.  I’ll appreciate each good meal.

Oh, and I'll scan and use this letter in my family history movie so it will be archived for future generations to enjoy and gain their own insights!

Did you miss me?  I spent the last two weeks with my family.  We are so spread out now and too many have already passed. Because of that we have come to appreciate each other more than ever.  This was the second year of meeting at the old family farm for a camping trip/family reunion.  It’s so refreshing to catch up with those that mean so much but live too far away to be active in each others’ daily lives.

My family all know that I’ve been working on the family history so they brought me some real treasures this trip!  Old photo albums, videos, even some audio tapes.  I had thought to bring some old super 8 movies that I had been working on as well as the projector and screen.  So one night we gathered and watched old silent films.  My grandsons got to see their mom and uncle as little children, their grandparents as young adults.  Nieces and nephews got to share with their children.  What memories!  What fun!

I have just started to go through the two big boxes of photos and old letters but I’ve already found lots of things I want to use in my family history video.  I now have more pictures to show while stories are being told. 

I encourage everyone to plan and take the time to get together with family.  It is time well spent and keeps life in perspective. Share stories, scan pictures, share movies.  Remembering past times together strengthens your roots so you can grow.