| Whether you've spent several days, several years, or some time in between in trying to uncover your family's history or researching your <a href="http://www.7dayfamilytree.com/"> last name origins, you're no doubt looking for some creative ideas for preserving whatever it is that you've found. After all, computer printouts of a bunch of names are nice to have, but you won't exactly be proud to pass that around at the next family reunion, would you? And think about this: wouldn't it be wonderful if one of your ancestors had considered generations to come? You can do what you wish someone had done for you - you can preserve the past for the future.
Themed scrapbooks help cover up the gaps
One of the easiest ways to preserve your discoveries is with a scrapbook. You can compile a complete family history, or you can create a themed scrapbook. A themed presentation is a particularly good idea if you've perhaps had a lot of success in finding information about a particular aspect of your ancestors' lives, but have a lot of holes in the complete picture.
If that's the case, consider themes such as these:
Early ancestors: This kind of scrapbook might include:
* A map of the location where the earliest ancestors you've traced lived. * Short biographies. * Copies of deeds, wills, and estate documents * Old photographs. * And, if you've managed to locate their graves, photos of the cemetery.
Migration: Simply record how your ancestors migrated. Include:
* Passenger lists of the ships (check The Ships List at http://www.theshipslist.com/). * Photos. * Passports and naturalization papers.
Family occupations: How did your ancestors earn their living? Did they farm? Were they doctors or lawyers? Actors? This kind of scrapbook could include:
* Copies or transcriptions from journals. * Copies of memberships in societies. * Prizes and awards won.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. You're limited only by your imagination.
About the Author
Chris Simeral is the creator of the 7 Day Family Tree Genealogy Research Toolkit. To learn how to stop researching your genealogy the hard way, or to access the free genealogy mini-course, visit <a href="http://www.7dayfamilytree.com/">www.7DayFamilyTree.com. | 