Share a Family Heirloom
Interview a family member about a treasured heirloom, photograph or draw it, write a short story and share its history and meaning with family.
Step-by-step guide to share a family heirloom
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Step 1
Pick one special family heirloom and decide which family member you will interview about it.
Step 2
Ask that family member for permission to do a short interview with them.
Step 3
Ask the family member for permission to look at the heirloom carefully.
Step 4
Find a quiet comfy spot and a time when the family member is free to talk.
Step 5
Write five short questions to ask about the heirloom (for example who made it; when was it made; why is it kept; a favorite memory; any special repairs).
Step 6
Ask each question during the interview and write down the answers.
Step 7
Decide whether you will photograph the heirloom or draw it.
Step 8
If you choose to draw it then make a detailed pencil drawing now and add color with your coloring materials.
Step 9
If you choose to take photos then ask an adult to help take three clear pictures from different angles now.
Step 10
Look over your notes and your photo or drawing and pick the most important details to keep.
Step 11
Write a short story of three to six sentences that explains the heirloom’s history and why it matters.
Step 12
Add one sentence that shares a favorite memory or how the heirloom makes someone feel.
Step 13
Give your story a title and write your name and the date on the page.
Step 14
Practice telling your story aloud one time so it sounds clear and friendly.
Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a camera or coloring materials?
If you don't have a camera or coloring materials, use a smartphone (and ask an adult to help take the three clear pictures) or use crayons, markers, or washable paint to add color to your detailed pencil drawing.
What should we do if the person we're interviewing doesn't remember details or gets distracted?
If the family member forgets details or gets distracted, gently use step 'ask the family member for permission to look at the heirloom carefully' and show the object while asking specific follow-ups from your five questions (for example 'when was it made?' or 'any special repairs?') to prompt memories.
How can we change the project for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children, have an adult or older sibling ask the five interview questions and scribe answers and let the child make a one- or two-sentence caption instead of the three- to six-sentence story, while older kids can extend the project by researching the heirloom's maker, adding a timeline, and writing more detailed captions for each of the three photos or the drawing.
How can we make this heirloom project more special or shareable?
To enhance the activity, record a short video of the interview or you narrating your three- to six-sentence story while showing the three photos or drawing, add a decorated title page with your name and the date, and bind or print it as a keepsake before sharing on DIY.org.
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Facts about family history and oral history
✍️ Writing a short story about an heirloom is a creative way to preserve memory and practice storytelling skills.
📷 A single old photograph can unlock clues about clothes, places, and everyday life from long ago.
🕰️ Many family heirlooms are over 100 years old — some travel through five or more generations!
🎙️ Oral history interviews often capture personal details and nicknames that never appear in official records.
🧩 Sharing heirloom stories helps younger family members connect to their roots and can start new family traditions.
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