The Hybrid Family History
I’ve enjoyed watching the digital scrapbooking community grow and mature and while I have nothing like the talent of today’s page designers, I do find it a compelling way to give focus to the photos, letters and other documents that are part of my family’s history. I’m still a storyteller at heart and lengthy text areas don’t fit well into today’s layout styles.
On the text side . . . I find the formal family history full of fascinating information but presented in such a way that it’s a struggle to read. Don’t get me wrong, I agree that the research details, sources and other supporting documentation are a necessary component of a good family history. There’s just has to be a better way to tell my family’s story that both genealogists and “normal” family members will find interesting.
I’m suggesting a hybrid family history combining the traditional standards with storytelling and scrapbooking elements. Thanks to today’s technology, this is not as difficult as you might think.
The Hybrid Family History details my thoughts on this idea and describes some of the tools needed to create it. Future guides will provide more howto information on each of the technical tasks involved. Any suggestions or ideas for combining the formal with the fun will be most appreciated.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:39 am
My thoughts exactly, Denise! Thank you. The whole point of passing along a family history is not to bore the reader to tears, but to inform and inspire.
Caroline Pointer
Family Stories
October 21st, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Hello Denise,
Your concept was a like the light being switched on! (doh!) I’ve been spending all my free time lately learning how to use Paint Shop Pro x2 to do digital scrapbooking — because I have so many old family photos to share, and I want them to look better than just scanned and printed off. I wanted a way to label them and tell the story too without repetitive writing on the backs of reprints.
My other goal is to get my genealogy database “cleaned up” enough to generate individual narratives and family histories.
Now I realize that where you have already arrived is where I’ve been heading all along — thank you! You’ve put it into words and provided the clarity and direction I needed for sharing my family history and pictures.
–PaperQuilter (aka Liz)
October 21st, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Caroline & Liz -
Yes, a d’oh moment is the best way to describe it. Thomas MacEntee posted an article today on audience and that hits the mark too. I love to tell a story. I love scrapbooking. I’m supposedly an applications expert. Now, to just bring all these things together. Stay tuned – there’s more to come!