Passing On Your Research
You've researched your family history as far back as you can manage. A document has been created that holds the personal details and you even have photos to go along with some of it.
What now?
In some cases the creation of a family history is strictly for personal use. They give the creators a tie to the past to help them see where they've come from and how they got to where they are today.
For other creators, the idea behind the entire undertaking is the creation of a family heirloom that will help current relatives and future descendants know more about who they are and where they come from.
In the case of a family heirloom, the next step once you've created a history you're happy with is to pass it along. Whether you've only drawn out a family tree or have drafted an entire book that explains your family's past, the documents should be shared.
A family history is a treasure that helps people learn from their own past. Plus, if medical information also happens to be included, such a document can really help shed light on the present by exposing the past. In this case, the information can be very valuable indeed.
If your intention is to pass along your family history documents to others, making full copies or printed books is a good idea. A single document can get lost or damaged, which would render all your research for naught.
Present family members with nicely created copies or even printed books that detail the family history and you'll find yourself in possession of a great gift that few will be able to turn away from. Almost everyone loves a good story and if the topic happens to be them (or their roots) the gift will be loved even more.
Should your research include a lot of original documents that would mean nothing to anyone but a family member, pass those along if you're done with them. Otherwise, it can hurt to name a recipient who will take possession of the documents in the future.
Should your research collection include a lot of documents and photographs, compromised by age, it's a good idea to take measures to protect them. Use archival paper and acid-free bindings and so on.
A family history belongs to more than a single person. It's meant to be shared and enjoyed. Pass it along!
