Use the Question Formulation Technique. Start listing your questions and wonderings about the keepsake from your family. Ask as many questions as you can without editing. Turn statements into questions.
Review your questions.
Place an L next to Library research questions
Place an F next to those questions best answered by family members.
What is it? Identify the object/keepsake
How was it used? Explain the function or what was it's purpose.
When did people use it or when was it created? Place the object/keepsake in its historical context, telling something about the period when it was new.
Why is it significant? Share memories associated with the object/keepsake or explain how it illustrates a facet of life in the past.
...in addition to describing the object or photograph, the information should identify its manufacturer, or the photographer the date when it was made, the materials used to make it, and how the family obtained it
Collect memories and personal observations about the object/keepsake
Keepsakes: anything people keep or give to someone else to keep
Heirlooms: any family possession passed down from generation to generation
Souvenirs: something kept or given for remembrance
Personal treasures: anything liked too much to give or throw away
.
About the family
Start a keepsake notebook:
How long has it been in your family?
Where did it come from?
Who were the original and other owners?
How was it handed down?
Do you know anything else about it (including stories?)
