The best way to preserve your family’s memories is to share them. Want an easy way to share it with your relatives near and far? Create a blog! Better yet, turn it into a fun project and blog with your family. By utilizing privacy controls you can create a safe way to share photos, stories, and daily experiences with your family.
Creating a blog is simple and best of all free. Among the various options, one seems to be a consistent a favorite of new bloggers. Blogger, part of the Google family of products, offers a simple way to produce and share your blog. Free templates and tutorials are available on many websites, including Blogger itself, and by following a few very simple steps you’ll be on your way to recording your memories within minutes.
Once you’ve created your blog begin recruiting family members to write with you! By customizing your access controls you can allow Uncle Joe or Cousin Sue to write posts for all to see. Privacy settings allow you to decide if you will share the blog publically or if it will be a private blog accessible to only those who you have specified.
Here are some ideas to get your family blog started:
- Create a blog before a family reunion or holiday. Ask your relatives to create a post with their favorite memory of the event.
- Do you have several nieces and nephews of the same age? Consider creating a blog for them to share information about their adventures at school and with friends. It takes the concept of a pen pal to a whole new level, and they learn valuable writing skills.
- Is there family wedding on the horizon? Invite family and friends of the bride and groom to share advice, stories, and photos of the happy couple. Not only does this create a wonderful keepsake for the new husband and wife but it can also build relationships within the new extended family. This also works wonderfully for new parents-to-be who are expecting!
Looking for some help in getting started? Geneabloggers has a wonderful resource section perfect for those new to family history blogging. The free tips and tutorials available will help you learn more about editing and displaying photographs on your blog, backing up your memories so that they aren’t lost in the case of a computer catastrophe, and much more.
To those who are already blogging their family's history: Are you blogging your family's present as well? Remember, today's stories are the memories future generations will cherish.
Disclaimer: As with all interactions on the internet, it is wise to read the terms of service before beginning so you understand all the risks and benefits.
Monday Memories is a series that aims to help you record your family history in fun and creative ways. Check back each Monday for more ideas and inspiration.
Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new genealogy articles are available! Just click the "subscribe" link above.
Comments