Family history gifts .........................Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

Family history gifts

Not long after we’ve carved the turkey, my email is flooded with inquiries from non-genealogists wanting their family trees done in time for holiday gifts. I agreed to help once at such a late date and learned a lesson—never again! While I compiled as much information as possible to pass on to the client, the results were disappointing. Even with the best intentions, some things can’t be rushed. So, with Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa approaching, I thought I’d share some thoughtful ways you can create gifts inspired by your own family history.

Review your research. I once found a photo of a friend’s greatgrandmother in a book. The photographer was documenting conditions in a struggling area of Ireland and there she was, standing in a doorway. I was lucky enough to locate a copy of the book, so I tagged the page and wrapped it up with a bow. If you’ve found an interesting mention in a book or newspaper, print or copy it on sturdy paper and add a frame to create a treasured gift.

Photographs. Ancestral photos are always appreciated but pulling them together in a memory box makes them extra special. Include an engagement or wedding announcement to go with that wedding photo for a special touch. A piece of lace, confetti, and a mini silver bell finish it off. Family tree chart. If you’ve already spent the time building a family tree, share it! Order a blank family tree chart from etsy.com (my fave is at Fresh Retro Gallery), then add family information and a beautiful frame. Creating it yourself also allows you to add new information as it surfaces. Lineage certificate. Have you established that an ancestor is part of Lineage or First Family society? Of course, there are the Mayflower Society and Daughters/Sons of the American Revolution, but lesser known are state or territory “First Families.” Submit your research now and have the certificate prepared in the name of your relative. (Remember to show descent to the person named on the certificate.) Frame it and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind gift. Migration map. Although my own family has shallow roots in the US and a straight route to Western New York,

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others moved often. Scratch maps can be a fun way to track family immigration and migration throughout the country or even the world. You can find them on Amazon for under $25.

Census record. Recently seeing wallpaper made from an original homeowner’s census record in a magazine made me consider a room update. (My husband, not so much.) Heidigoseek.com offers customized coffee mugs with the 1940 census of your family, which are almost as good.

Family cookbook. Most would agree that some of the best memories are made in the kitchen. Maybe the smell of Mom’s shepherd pie floods you with sweet memories of her, but your children don’t know that. Why not create a cookbook that includes personal information or a story about the family member along with the dish they were famous for? Include a couple of your own “famous” dishes along with favorite memories. Wrap it up with a tin of homemade cookies.

I hope you enjoy creating new holiday memories with your family this year. Family history gifts are a small way to share our passion of genealogy and will become cherished treasures for years to come. Happy hunting! FY

Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a National Genealogical Society member, Association of Professional Genealogists member as well as a guest lecturer and freelance writer. Carol is also board member and President of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. Send questions or comments to her at noellasdaughter@ gmail.com.