It was after my grandfather passed away that I realized I should have kept one of the many signed notes he used to leave on the kitchen table for me. That was what inspired me to do the project I’m going to tell you about now.
I decided to take a family photo and enlarge it. I then took it to everyone featured in the photograph and had them sign it. It was a simple project to do, but in years to come, it will be something my child can look at and know that everyone was together and signed the picture for me. It gives it sentimental value and history.
I put the photo in a handmade Family History Book that I had designed. It directs you to another page of information about each person. I considered framing it and hanging it on the wall, but I wanted it with all of my other research and family history projects.
To protect the photo, I put it in a protective sleeve. I considered laminating it, but decided that may not hold up to age and didn’t want to harm this piece of my family history. I believe framing it would be the best protection and am considering framing the original and placing a photocopy in my book.
If you have only one child, as I do, and want to be sure it is given to him in the future for sentimental and historical purposes, consider having everyone sign the photo to your child. For example, Uncle John could write “To Jacob, Love, Uncle John.”
A signature adds personality and authenticity to your photograph. You could also make copies of the photo prior to the signing, so that other members of your family can have their own.
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