Adding Memories to your Family History

That’s a Perfectly Good Memory—Why Aren’t You Using It?

By FamilySearch
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Blow the Dust off Your Memory Box
Inside everyone’s mind is a box of memories. The older we get, the more that stash of memories grows, and just as a rare old coin increases in value, so does the knowledge in that box of memories. Like most people, you probably rarely think about the value of your own memories, but perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at what you know and why your memory box could be more like a treasure box to the rising generation.
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A Notion about Emotion

​In his 2016 RootsTech address, Steve Rockwood (FS., CEO) described the feelings people experience when they hear and share family stories. These feelings include love, joy, peace, happiness, sadness (when remembering loss), inspiration, connectedness, belonging, indebtedness, admiration, remembrance, and desire.

                                                          (Click  "ReadMore.)

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Powerful emotions and inspiring lessons are to be found in our memories—even in memories of family situations that have been less than ideal. Talking about the past and the experiences of our ancestors helps us feel connected to them and can nurture feelings of love and appreciation for the part they played in our family and in shaping who we are. Today’s youth desperately need to feel emotionally connected. Knowing their heritage provides them with stabilizing power that can anchor them. When you share your own memories and the stories you’ve been told about the family, you’re helping young people stay grounded.

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Open the Box 
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If your memory box is collecting dust in the back of your mind, it’s time to start pulling those memories out and putting them to use. You’ll be surprised to discover what they can do for the rising generation and how many nifty (and easy) ways there are to share them.

                                                                                                       Here are a few Ideas to Get You Started

1. Have “memory moments” at the dinner table or while driving in the car. Prompt your kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews (anyone young) to ask you a question about your life or the life of your parents or grandparents. Make it fun, keep it simple, be prepared for anything, and of course, be honest and age appropriate. Allow them to learn from the successes and failures of family members, including yours! You’ll be sharing stories, teaching lessons, and building stronger relationships all at the same time.
2. In her 2016 Family Discovery Day address, Sister Rosemary Wixom, general Primary president, suggested a two-minute exercise. Grab a notebook (she titled hers “Precious Pieces of Information”), and take two minutes to write down everything you know about a relative, including funny things or phrases they were known to say. Keep the notebook in your vehicle, on your nightstand, on the back of the toilet, or wherever you’re sure to have it handy when you can carve out a couple of uninterrupted minutes. With just two minutes a day, you’ll have that memory box transferred over to a treasure box in no time.
3. Try the FamilySearch Memories app. If you’re not a fan of writing down memories, try doing brief audio recordings or collect and preserve your memories with pictures. This approach is a great way to start experimenting with sharing memories and family stories, especially if the youngest members of your family live far away. This app makes sharing easier.

Effectively Use the Contents of Your Memory Box
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In an example of what she might say to a grandchild, Sister Wixom showed how easy it can be to start sharing bits of information, “Katie, look how you are finding humor in spite of your trials. You’re just like your grandma Nancy.”
Do you have an ancestor who had a knack for staying optimistic while facing challenges or one who became very successful despite humble beginnings? Sister Wixom spoke of the strengthening power found in family stories. She identified this power as the fruit of the family tree that, when shared, can nourish and strengthen all family members, but she emphasized the benefit for the younger generation. She posed key questions, including the following:

• Might a story of an ancestor’s decision to step away from tobacco inspire a grandchild to step away from the addictive draw of video games?
• Would knowing how a grandmother dealt with symptoms of depression help a young mother today with the same symptoms?

What stories have you got in your memory box that might help a small child, youth, or young adult feel less alone in trials? Do you have a personal memory or experience that might help your loved ones feel hopeful that they can overcome their current problems? There’s no better time to find out.