Creating a Family Album

by Victoria Walker

A Family Album is an important keepsake for future generations to learn about their ancestors. It is also a wonderful gift to create and give to another family member. A family album should not only include photos of each family member, but also facts about each person featured in the album. You also may want to include a 'Time Capsule' page reflecting what life was like in the year the family album was created.

A Family Album can be used as an anniversary gift for your parents, grandparents, or any other family member. After you decide for whom you are making the album, decide what the focus will be. If you are making the album for your grandparents, you may want to dedicate a page to each of their children and grandchildren or you may choose to create an album focusing on your grandparents' siblings and parents.

Purchase a small album, either a 5" x 7" or an 8" x 10". The number of photos you plan to use will determine the size of the album. Keep in mind that the larger the album, the more photos and accessories you will need to fill it. Gather photos, mementos, and items of interest to be placed in the book. Try interviewing a few family members to get some added information for the album.

Here is a simple outline to follow when creating your family album:

Use the first page as an introduction to the family. Write a poem, a bit of history about the family or create a family tree.

Use a two-page spread for each family member, one to include photos and the other to include journaling - one of the most important aspects of scrapbooking is journaling. On the adjoining page, list some information about the person. If you don't have many personal facts about your relative, just include their name, birthdates, birthplace, and their children's names.

Here are some suggestions of categories to include in these profiles:

Hobbies and Interests
Favorite songs/movies/actors
Nicknames
Schools attended
Professions and careers
Clubs, Charities and Organizations
Places where they have lived or traveled

Use the last page to write a summary about your family or if you didn't create a family tree on the front page, create one on the last page.

A Family Album will be a treasured gift for many years to come. And, one thing is certain - by creating a family album, you will ensure that your family's history will never be forgotten.