We always instruct those new to family history to look for home sources. Sometimes the response to that is "I don't have any." But in reality, a home source isn't just a record or a document. Especially when we consider women's lives. Home sources in my home include cookbooks, quilts, china, and jewelry. They don't always reveal genealogical facts about the woman I inherited the item from but they can provide insight into her life.
So what do the items in your home say about your female ancestors? What home sources do you have?
- Cookbooks
- Linens
- China
- Silver
- Photos
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Furniture
- Art
- Ephemera
- Books
You may think these items reveal nothing about their original owner but it's important to carefully reconsider these items and ask questions. Analyze the item and consider documenting it for future generations. Ask:
- What is the age of the item?
- What is the significance (decorative or does it serve a function?)
- What is it made of (textile, china, metal, wood)
- Who made it (someone in the family or was it purchased?)
- Is there any personal marks on it (initials, a name)
- Why was it saved? (heirloom item?)
- What does this item say about the original owner? (for example, they liked to quilt, they kept all the letters sent to them).
- What analysis can you do on the item that might say something about your ancestor (where they lived, the time period, etc.?)
Finish your documentation of your home sources by photographing the item. Consider who should inherit it next and why. Keep that information with your documentation. You want those who survive you to know what is important.
Think of your home and the heirlooms you have as a personal museum. These items can help tell your female ancestors' story and get your family interested in learning more about their family history.
[1] "Museum," Merrian-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/museum: accessed 16 February 2021).
1 comment:
I have been considering making a Shutterfly book of all of the heirlooms in our home so our daughters know which items are important. And even if they don't keep some of them after our passing, they will have the history of the items.
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