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We've all known for awhile that videotaping or photographing the items in our home is good for insurance purposes. It's something that we all should do, and then pray that we never need it, right? Well, when you really think about it, those videotapes and photographs are good for more than giving to your insurance guy.
As genealogists we should look upon the tapes and pictures as a way to show future generations the way we lived our lives.
Take a look around your home, think about what you see. Instead of seeing the items as objects, try looking at them from the historical perspective. Most likely we all have a bed ... just like they've had beds for centuries. But, most certainly the bed that you have is nothing like what our ancestors considered a bed. What will your great-great-great grandchildren think of the bed you have now in comparison to what they are sleeping on.
And what about those precious electronic gadgets that we've all become addicted to? Document those as well. I can say with a great deal of certainty that the televisions and computers that we all use right now, will look nothing like their future counterparts. And don't forget to photograph your automobiles, kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. Just think about how much those items have changed over the last few decades ... and how much they will probably change in the years to come.
Once you've photographed your items, try your hand at creating a scrapbook. It doesn't have to be very elaborate or expensive. You can pick up an archival quality scrapbook at art stores, craft stores, places that sell photography supplies and even at some discount department stores. While you're there, you'll also want to pick up an archival quality pen to make notations of the various photographs.
After you've accumulated your supplies, you can start arranging the photo's and making notes as to what the items are, where they were used and how. You can go into great detail ... or just give rather simple descriptions. Have fun with this project ... and know that it will be of historical value down the road!!
Suggestions of other items to document:
Telephone - be sure to list how many telephones you had in your home
Radio / Stereo System
The front and back of your house (including the lawn, gardens, trees)
A view of your house from down the street so that other houses can be seen in the photo
Board Games and other "toys"
Antiques (definitely include descriptions of who owned them and how long you've had them in your possession)
Your workplace (don't forget to describe what you did for this company!)
Clothing and Shoes
The Family Dog
The Vacuum / Sweeper
Furniture (document all of the rooms in your home)
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