Family Historian? How to Organize Heirlooms & Photos

Sep 21

Have you found yourself in the role of your family’s “historian”—the keeper of photos, heirlooms, documents, and stories? Many Spirit & Space clients are trying to manage generations’ worth of family memorabilia. It can feel like both an honor and a heavy responsibility.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here are a few simple tips for support.

1. Define What Matters Most

You don’t need to keep everything. Ask yourself:

What tells the story of our family?
What would future generations find meaningful?

Focus on items with personal, historical, or emotional value. It's okay to let go of duplicates, blurry photos, photos of people no one can identify, and items with no known significance.

2. Sort and Categorize

Create broad categories such as:

Photos
Documents (birth certificates, marriage licenses, letters)
Heirlooms (jewelry, quilts, military medals)
Digital files

Tackle one category or box at a time. Label as you go. A simple set of folders or clear bins can work wonders to keep things organized.

3. Digitize When You Can

Scanning photos and documents makes them easier to share and protects them from physical damage. Back up everything in multiple places.

4. Write It Down

A name and a date on the back of a photo can make all the difference, and even the short version of an essential story is enough to help others understand a legacy. Don’t worry about being perfect—just share what you know.

5. Make Space for the Living

Honor the past, but don’t let it take over your present. Keep only what you can reasonably store and protect, and what you genuinely believe will be meaningful to others. Share with family members, donate when appropriate, and remember: it’s okay to let go of guilt.

Being the family historian isn’t about keeping everything—it’s about preserving what truly matters. With a thoughtful approach and a little help if you need it, you can create a legacy that lasts for generations.