How To Start A Family Heirloom

There are gifts and there are the most memorable gifts of all. Gifts worthy of being passed on to the next generation. We call them heirlooms. Heirloom are a time capsule to the past. A bridge to the past. 

Heirlooms are a map that charts the course leading to the most sentimental moments, legendary stories or profound elements of family history. 

An object becomes an heirloom because of the person, moment, or tradition attached to it. It is an item that someone actively protected, maintained, and consciously chose to hand over. 

Well-written items like the information contained in books may be preserved. Well-crafted items, like solid wood, gold, silver, bronze, copper, or cast iron, survive long enough to remain functional for future family members. 

What might be worthy of being considered an heirloom?

Popular Categories of Heirlooms

Jewelry & Timepieces: Engagement rings, pocket watches, brooches, cameos, and pearls that can be worn or remodeled for new generations. 
Home & Functional Goods: Cast iron skillets, hand-stitched quilts, handmade furniture, fine china, silverware, and traditional dining tables. 
Personal & Cultural Artifacts: Musical instruments, vintage toys, artwork, or property/land linked to a family's history. 
Hand Written Memories: Handwritten letters, family recipe books, journals, diaries, military service records or medals, and old black-and-white or sepia photographs.

What Makes an Item Worthy?

Its Connection To A Real Story
Its History of Intentional Care
Its Craftmanship, Durability or Utility
Proof of Authenticity
Proof of Ownership
Other Certificates, Receipts and Awards

When to Gift a Family Heirloom

The best time to gift a family heirloom is during a solemn but joyous occasion. Present the heirloom during a major life milestone such as a wedding, graduation, the birth of a child, a significant religious event, or a family reunion, when you can share the story behind the object in person.

The Affordable and Practical Heirloom

It's never too late to establish an item as an heirloom. Some have chosen a book designed to with keepsake features that make it ideal to become an heirloom over time. Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Heirloom and Keepsake is designed for that very reason. Note the following keepsake features:

• Signature of ownership page
• Personal Journal entry pages
• Family recipe history compiler
• Pedigree Page
• Family Group Worksheet
• Cemetery transcription Form
• Heirloom possession verification page
• Military records research checklist page
• Ancestral research work sheet page

Enjoy caring for, protecting passing on the legendary stories connected to your family heirloom for generations to come.

Find out more about Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Heirloom and Keepsake.