When the search of important papers is completed in a genealogical home survey, it's time to turn to the rest of the house. Family history treasures may be in closets, hanging on walls, or half-hidden in bookcases. Scrapbooks and old photographs, family Bibles, and heirlooms are all rich sources.
Old Photographs Show Ancestors
Whether a parent's wedding picture or a 1910 photo of an unknown gentleman, photographs can be priceless genealogy records. Besides the actual photo of what someone looked like, names and dates are often written on the back. If not, look for the photographer's stamp, which may lead to archives which can at least date the photo. Lucky genealogists may find additional notes on the photo, describing the place and event.
Family Bibles Hold Genealogical Information
Family Bibles may be displayed proudly, nestled in a corner of a bookcase, or safely stored in a box in a closet. They're worth digging for, wherever they are. A family Bible will often list births, marriages, and deaths going back generations. It may also be inscribed, with the name and relationship of the person giving the bible, and the occasion on which it was given.
Family Bibles may also have papers tucked between the pages. These may include funeral cards, wedding announcements, etc., themselves a source of family history.
Family Scrapbooks Bring Ancestors to Life
Scrapbooks, in whatever form, can hold a wealth of genealogical information. Photos usually have captions, and often include many more people than do studio photographs. Certificates and awards from childhood as well as adult achievements may be included. Other genealogical items found in scrapbooks might include wedding announcements, baby announcements, funeral cards, funeral programs, etc.
Family researchers who find newspaper clippings in scrapbooks are well rewarded. These clippings, unless about a prominent occasion, would likely not be found otherwise. They may be as simple as a list of high school graduates, or may include community awards and visits by important people. Other clippings may have very little to do with a particular ancestor's own life, but will show things that he or she thought important.
Journals, Diaries & Letters for Family Tree Info
If a parent, grandparent, or other ancestor kept letters or diaries, genealogists consider themselves extremely lucky. These documents not only bring an ancestor's personality to life, but can show where they were (perhaps what caused them to be missed in the census) and why they did things (such as migrate across the country). Diaries and letters will mention other people as well. It may take some genealogical sleuthing to find out who a person is if the journal keeper only used one name, but relatives and friends will show up frequently, adding details and insights into their lives as well.
Examine Family Heirlooms for Genealogy Clues
Every family has a few items that have been passed down, perhaps from only the previous generation, perhaps from several generations back. Look for dishes, jewelry (especially if it's engraved), clothing, medals, needlework samplers, linens and quilts, Christmas ornaments, souvenirs, etc.
Examine each heirloom carefully, and take several pictures if possible. Note any inscriptions, manufacturer's names, dates, etc. Then ask the following questions:
- Whose was it originally?
- How and why did the original owner receive/purchase it?
- Why did it hold a prominent place in that ancestor's life?
- Who gave it to the current holder? Why?
- Are there stories surrounding it?
Members of previous generations may be able to answer some of these. Other answers will have to be searched out through diaries and letters, antique dealers and historians.
For a discussion about the genealogical papers to be found in a home survey, read Find Your Family Tree – Start Genealogy at Home.
Jennifer Jensen - Jennifer Jensen is an Indiana writer just returned from a lovely few years in County Cork, Ireland. She has been the Feature Writer for ...
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