Family archives
Write story cards for family objects
A story card says what the object is, who held it, what is documented and what the family remembers. Give each kind of statement its own labeled place. A tale told at every holiday remains a recollection until a record supports it.
A text to start with
I want a story card for [object and short description]. Here is what I know: [owner names and dates]. Relatives remember: [recollections, with who said each]. I have seen written down: [letters, receipts, inscriptions, labels]. Draft the card in separate sections for documented facts, family recollection and open questions. Do not fill gaps with a plausible history.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Object story card
Object and description: [ ] Current location and keeper: [ ] Image file reference: [ ] Owners in order, with dates if known: [ ] Documented facts: [ ] Source for each documented fact: [ ] Family recollection: [ ] Told by: [ ] Date it was told: [ ] Conflicting version, if any: [ ] Guesses that are not yet supported: [ ] Open question and who might answer it: [ ] Last reviewed by and date: [ ]
Where guesses slip into facts
Look for sentences that sound documented but rest on one relative's memory, such as "brought over by her grandmother." Check whether an inscription or label is being read as proof of ownership when it may show only a gift or a maker. Watch for dates that were rounded or inferred from the style of the object. If two relatives tell different versions, the card should keep both and name who said each. Any sentence with no stated source belongs under recollection or open questions.
Ask another agent to check the result
Read this story card and sort every sentence into documented fact, family recollection or guess. Flag any recollection stated as fact, any inferred date, and any gap filled with a plausible detail. Quote each flagged sentence and say what evidence it would need.
Test the card with a relative
Read the finished card to one relative who knew the object and ask which sentences they would change. Record corrections as new entries with their name and the date, and leave the earlier wording visible. Photograph the object and any inscription, and store the image beside the card. For the next object, copy the worksheet and fill in the source line first.