Why Organize?

You may be wondering what in the world you got into! You may think that nothing about your family or your life is noteworthy and would be of no general interest. “How is your life any different from a thousand others?” That very similarity may be reason a historian would find yours of interest. History is about ordinary people far more than it is about unique and distinct individuals. Some of the things you have lived through, some of the work you have done, or the places you have been may be valid subjects for professional research.

I have listed some of the reasons to organize your photos:

1. Historical account - the importance of people and dates is passed on to younger generations
2. To pass on family stories to family
3. Interview grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends
4. Document family choices and how lifestyles evolve
5. Have people write down what they remember and place directly in albums
6. All your pictures will be in scrapbooks or photo albums where they will whisper to you
each time the books are opened and enjoyed
7. To review one’s life to understand it better
8. For the pleasure of reminiscing
9. To give an honest account of one’s life
10. To remember items that may become ‘extinct’

I hope you will continue with your project. I know the project is such a daunting task but you will be very grateful when you have finished. If you have done 300 photos by now, you are well on your way!!! Now, next . . .