How to get started in genealogy

How to get started in genealogy

How much do you really know about your family history? If you’re like most people then you might know some of the details, like your parents or grandparents names; but far too often our family memories are all that are left of precious and important information about our families. Information such as where people were born, where they immigrated from, what children they had, how they were related to others and even where they died—all of this can be researched and carefully documented with the right tools and hard work. 

If you are looking to explore your family history, it’s time to get interested in genealogy. The following guide will help you get started in genealogy, step by step.

Step One: Figure out what you already know

The first thing you need to do is figure out what you already know about your family history. Who are the people in old family photographs? Do you know the names and biographical information about your parents, grandparents—siblings? Aunts? Uncles? Everything you know should be written down so that you know what you are starting with as you begin your journey.

Step Two: Create a goal

Next, you’ll need to create a goal. What exactly are you looking to accomplish? Establish more family history facts? Expand upon family memories? Find out who is in specific old family photographs? Create a family tree that goes back a certain number of generations? The more concrete your goal, the better. 

Step Three: Write down possible sources

Now it’s time to start considering your possible sources. Sources can include browsing through old family photographs, asking existing family members for their information, archival records in your local area or the area where your family lived, as well as websites dedicated to helping people find out more about their ancestry. Remember that some of these sources may require payment to fully access, but the fees are typically reasonable considering all of the information you may be able to access.

Step Four: Get researching

Next, you can finally start your research. Get all of the information that you possibly can, even if it might not seem helpful at first. It’s better to have too much information than not enough, after all! Remember that your research may be ongoing for some time, depending on your goal with all of your genealogy research. It’s important not to give up and to keep working, even if you stumble on some dead ends from time to time.

Step Five: Analyze and Report

When you have enough information to start taking what you’ve found out through your research, analyzing it—and finally reporting it in some way. This can mean inputting information into a family tree or printing out photos to put in an album or creating a report-style pamphlet or book with the information you’ve discovered.

Getting started with genealogy can seem overwhelming, but if you follow the above steps you will be on your way in no time.

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn how to film your grandparent with a smart phone click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here.

How many people have the same name as me?

How many people have the same name as me?

If you have a name that seems to pop up wherever you go, then you may have wondered: how many people have the same name as me? Is there a reason why certain names seem to pop up more than others? The answer these questions requires knowing a bit about the subject of family history, and how family memories—along with other factors—can influence what names people choose for their children.

To learn how to get started in genealogy click here

What Makes Names Popular?

First: what makes names popular in the first place? The answer has many different factors to consider. Of course, family history plays a large role; names that have been previously used in the family are more likely to be used again. This is especially true for names of beloved family members, as positive family memories make people more likely to choose those names for their own children. Other possibilities include names passed down through old family photographs; seeing an interesting name scrawled on the back of old family photographers can lead people to choosing that name to continue into the next generation.

To learn why family history is so important click here

Of course, family history is not the only factor when it comes to names being passed down. Other factors include the popularity of certain names based on social convention and even pop culture. For instance, in Europe during the 1600s, names based on Biblical stories were very popular—whereas in America during the 1960s, naming children after ideals and flowers (such as “Hope,” “Love,” and “Daisy”) were popular. You can even trace the rising and falling popularity of trendy names if you look at most popular name charts through the years.

It is impossible to count the true number of people with your same exact name, but if you google “people with (name) in (your country)” you may be able to get a general estimate.

Click here to find out how to research family history on Google for free

Why Names Get Passed Down: Family Legacies

When it comes to naming people after other members in your family, the key reason behind this type of name choice is preserving and continuing a family legacy. Even choosing a name from a family member several generations back can be a way to continue their memory in a small and subtle way. As anyone with strong ties to their family knows, preserving and continuing your family’s legacy and history is important to make sure that future generations know the stories and memories of the people who came before them.

Here are ten questions to ask your parents before it’s too late!

Family legacy is the reason why you might see several generations of family members with the same name—or even a name inspired by a previous name. It is becoming very popular for people to continue family legacy names with “inspired” names. For instance, a great-grandmother might be named Maria and her great-grandchild might be named “Mary.” 

Whatever the history behind your name, one thing is for sure: even though there may be countless others with your name in the world, your story—and your family legacy—is something truly unique to you and your family.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here.

Family history and Music

Family history and Music

Family music is an undeniably important part of our family memories, even if you don’t fully realize it at first. Think about all the family memories associated with music—Christmas parties with favourite songs that everyone quiets down to listen to, that “one song” that grandma always has to play when she’s riding in the passenger seat, and so many other family history moments associated with music. 

Nat King Cole in 1952

One of the best ways you can preserve your family music is by creating playlists related to the songs that make up such an important part of your family’s life and history. The following guide will help you learn how to create music playlists associated with your family history, along with some tips for sharing the playlists with the rest of your family.

How to Create Family Music Playlists

Thanks to modern technology, creating family music playlists is fairly easy. You can use a platform such as Spotify, which lets you create playlists of music that is active on the Spotify platform. Since there are millions of songs on Spotify, you can find just about any music you like there. You can also create a playlist using iTunes or a similar music program, but this requires you to have purchased the music or have the music on CD, which can then be transferred to the computer as a digital mp3 file.

Aretha Franklin in 1968

Creating the list itself will take some patience and creativity on your part. You can create family music playlists that are direct, such as: “Grandma’s Favourite Music,” “Aunt Susan’s Favourite Music,” etc. Or you can create playlists with a more creative slant, such as, “The Family’s Favourite Christmas Songs,” or “The Songs that Drive Everyone Crazy but the Kids Love Them,” and so on. 

Janis Joplin in 1970

How to Share Family Music Playlists

There are a few different ways you can share music playlists, depending on the platform you’ve used. If you used Spotify, all you need to do is send a link to the Spotify playlist to your family members. They may need an account to listen to it, so make sure you set this up for the family members who aren’t technology savvy. This is the simplest way to share playlists, since you don’t need to pay for the music as long as it’s on the Spotify platform.

If you’ve used a program such as iTunes which doesn’t work using cloud-hosted music, then you can share the playlist by burning it to a CD. Copies of the CD can then be made and passed around the family. Having a hard copy of the playlist is a good idea for family members who aren’t technology-savvy.

The singing group the Boswell Sisters in 1931. From left-"Vet", Connie and Martha.

Remember, family history is about more than old photos or written-down family trees: our memories are intrinsically linked to music, which plays a large part in our lives and our hearts. A family music playlist is the perfect way to embrace your family history and preserve a unique part of it that can be passed down to future generations. 

To learn how to back up your old photos click here.

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

To learn how to label your old photo digital scans by using metadata click here.

5 Gift Ideas To Give Granny

5 Gift ideas to give Granny.

Picking out gifts for the family can be tough, especially when you’re searching for the perfect gift for your beloved grandmother who seems to have everything. After all, you want to give the perfect gift so that your family memories of grandma opening up her birthday or Christmas gift are tinged with the thought of her smile as she unwrapped her present. If you’re stuck looking for a gift, consider the following gift ideas that will help you create cherished family memories. 

Colourized Old Family Photographs

Old family photographs are something that your grandmother surely treasures, but why not take them up a notch by digitizing and colorizing them for granny to enjoy? This will help bring family history to life in a memorable way that your grandmother will definitely enjoy and cherish. You can either print them on your own or have them printed and bound in a special book.

To learn which is the best free photo editing software click here.

Scrapbook of Family History

Granny will definitely enjoy how your family history comes alive through a well-designed scrapbook! Scrapbooks are a great way to work with old family photographs by surrounding them with interesting stickers, patterns, and even mementos such as movie tickets, scraps of fabric, and so on. Your beloved grandmother will definitely love to flip through a homemade scrapbook filled with family memories. If you want, you can even digitize the scrapbook pages so that they can be backed up and preserved for future generations of the family to enjoy.

To learn how to create a scrapbook on family history click here.

Family Photo Blanket or Gifts

The digital age has made it easier than ever to create customized gifts, from pre-printed photo albums to mugs to canvas totes and everything in between. Granny will definitely enjoy seeing some of her favourite old family photographs printed on as special gift, so why not consider getting her a warm blanket for the cold winter months; other customizable gift options include mugs (perfect if she loves a cup of morning coffee!); aprons (ideal for bakers!); and even home accessories like clocks and placemats. 

Family Reunion Luncheon

One unique gift idea you can give your grandmother is the gift of a family reunion! A family reunion luncheon where everyone gets together to share a meal and family history is something that grandmother will definitely appreciate it. To make it even more special, bring along a photo scanner (you can find small portable ones for a relatively cheap price) and ask family members to bring their own family photographs to pass around so they can be scanned. This will help you gather important old family photographs all while sharing family history in a fun way.

Family Video DVD

Granny will definitely want to enjoy some family memories caught on video! To make it easier for your grandmother to watch them, have them put on a DVD so all she needs to do is place the disc into her DVD player at home. You can even add menus and other special effects if you use certain programs, so be sure to have some fun with the family videos you decide to put on DVD.

To learn which is the best software to burn my family videos to DVD click here.

If you are looking for a great gift for your grandma this year, consider the above 5 ideas.

To learn how to write a poem about your family history click here.

To make art out of Granny’s words of wisdom click here

To learn how to write a family recipe click here

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

Tired of traditional Christmas? Try these traditions instead

Tired of traditional Christmas? Try these traditions instead.

Xmas traditions can be fun, but after a while they can be just plain boring. If you are bored of having the same family Christmas dinner, eating the same Christmas foods, and doing the same traditions every year, takes a look at the following ideas that you can try to shake up your Xmas traditions a bit. These new traditions are sure to help you create new family memories and cement a place in your family history as something different to do each December holiday season.

Skip the Christmas turkey and opt for different cuisine

Christmas turkey (or Christmas roast chicken) is traditional but If you’re bored of having a standard Christmas dinner with roast poultry and the trimmings, try introducing a different type of cuisine for family dinner. The sky is really the limit here, so ask around about what foods people might like to eat instead. You could do a home-cooked roast salmon, order takeaway, or have everyone bring a dish from a different regional cuisine! You could also go out to eat, but remember that many restaurants will be closed.

To learn how to write a family recipe click here

Have a family board game tournament instead of a typical dinner

Instead of a typical family Christmas dinner where you show up, eat, and then unwrap presents, why not have something a bit more fun and competitive? A family board game tournament—or just a family board game night, if you want to leave the competition out of it—can be a great way to break up the Christmas day monotony. If you want, have the end goal of the tournament be something charitable in honor of the Christmas season: every adult family member who plays in the tournament donates £10, then at the end the winner gets to pick charity to give all their “winnings.” 

Click here for some fun family history activities to do at family reunions

Exchange presents throughout the winter season instead of all on one day

Exchanging gifts can make great family memories, but opening them all in one go is time consuming—not to mention a bit boring for others. Instead of opening everything on Christmas day, why not have family members give gifts throughout the winter season? Make it fun by having family members surprise each other with who gets to open a gift that day. 

Host a “movie theater” movie night in lieu of a standard Christmas party

If you don’t want to have the same-old-same-old family Christmas party that you’ve always had, you can make it a truly memorable night by transforming the host’s home into a “movie theater” for a grand movie night. Have someone bring in a popcorn maker to make fresh popcorn with real butter; make the couches ultra-comfortable with cushions; and make sure you have your TV/entertainment center set up to watch some movies beloved by multiple generations in your family.

If you’re ready to shake up your family’s Xmas traditions with something new, make sure you create some new family memories with the above ideas to try out this Christmas season.

Here are five family history gift ideas to give grandad.

Here are five family history gift ideas to give grandma.

Click here for some fun family history activities to do at family reunions

Common Family Christmas Traditions And Why We Follow Them

Common family Christmas traditions & why we follow them.

Family traditions are an important part of who we are individually and who we are as a family. So many family memories are based around these important family traditions, especially when it comes to holidays like Christmas. Some of the most common family Christmas traditions are rooted in the support of creating family history. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common family Christmas traditions you’ll find people doing this December—and why we do them in the first place.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is one of those family traditions that bring a smile to everyone’s face. What child doesn’t light up with a grin when the lights are first plugged in, and what adult doesn’t smile and reminiscence when plucking a favorite childhood ornament out of the Christmas tree box? Decorating the tree isn’t just about making the house look full of Christmas tree, it’s about creating new memories for younger family memories, creating happy memories for older family memories, and letting people think about years past where they decorated the tree as children or with loved ones now gone.

Click here for some fun family history activities to do at family reunions

Singing Christmas Songs Together

Gathering together to sing Christmas songs is another one of those family traditions that always pops up around December. Singing Christmas carols together is a way to celebrate the holiday as a family doing an activity that brings joy and laughter to everyone involved. It also lets family members showcase their artistic ability, whether they’re playing the piano, singing, or just creating the playlist.

Here are five family history gift ideas to give grandad.

Having Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner is a tradition that is steeped in family history. Having Christmas dinner together is one of the most important times for families to get together during the holidays, and so many family memories are created around the Christmas dinner table. Sharing Christmas dinner embodies the spirit of the Christmas season, when everyone is meant to come together to share their love, support and happiness with one another. 

Here are five family history gift ideas to give grandma.

Giving Gifts

Giving gifts is a popular Christmas tradition for many reasons. For one, who doesn’t love to receive a well thought out gift? But another reason why we love to share gifts with loved ones during the Christmas season is that it lets us showcase how much we care about one another. By choosing a “perfect gift” for a family member, you are expressing how much you know and care about that person. 

Tired of traditional Christmas? Try these traditions instead

Sending Personalised Christmas Cards

Finally, a family tradition that people look forward to during December: making and sending personalised Christmas cards! This tradition is especially popular among new families, aka the children who are now adults that are married and having children of their own. Personalised Christmas cards are a way to cement your bond as a new family, while still showing that you love and support your entire family tree as a whole. Best of all, cards make for a perfect decoration on the mantel or even hung on the tree.

When you are participating in Christmas traditions this year, don’t forget to enjoy your new cherished family memories.

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

To learn how to get started in genealogy click here.

To learn how to write a poem about your family history click here.

To make art out of Granny’s words of wisdom click here

To learn how to write a family recipe click here

5 Gift Ideas To Give Grandad

5 Gift ideas to give Grandad.

It can be hard to pick out the perfect presents for your family, especially when it comes to picking out gifts for your grandparents. If you are looking for the perfect gift to give your grandad this year, something that will make him smile and remember old family memories, then take a look at these 5 gift ideas you can get for your grandfather.

Restored Old Family photographs

Old family photographs can make for a great present, especially when you take the time to restore them. Restoring old family photographs that have wrinkles, tears, discoloration and other issues will help your grandfather see them as they were meant to be seen: cherished mementos of family history that can be enjoyed for generations to come. 

To learn which is the best free photo editing software click here.

Customized Photo Mug

One way to gift your grandad family memories this year is to order a customized photo mug. A customized photo mug will let him get a long look at his cherished family history every time he drinks coffee in the morning or hot cocoa on a cold winter night. If you don’t think he’d cherish a mug, consider other customized photo gift options, such as blankets, clocks, books, shirts, tote bags and more. To make this type of gift truly special, make sure you choose photos that are special to your grandad. This can include photos of his children, grandchildren; his siblings, parents; as well as photos of his partner. 

Drawings from the Grandkids

There are few things more precious to grandparents than special drawings or crafts from their grandkids or even great-grandkids. These drawings can be a special part of family history, as they get passed down from generation to generation. If you want to make them more special than simple doodles, have the grandkids or great-grandkids draw them on nicer paper or put the drawings in a frame afterward.

Family Video DVD

Family history is special, which is why everyone loves to watch family videos from time to time. You can help grandad watch the videos whenever he wants by transferring important home movies to a DVD that he can watch on his DVD player. You can even customize home movie DVDs with features like menus, special effects and subtitles with the right program. This is definitely a gift that grandpas will appreciate, especially if you have videos of family members who have since passed on.

To learn which is the best software to burn my family videos to DVD click here.

Family Reunion Day Trip

Family reunions make for a perfect gift for your grandpa, especially if it’s been a while since everyone has been together. A day trip combined with a family reunion will let your grandpa enjoy a nice day out to a favorite place, along with great food and of course, the family. Make sure you encourage people to bring family photos and family videos so that they can be shared with everyone else during the event. If possible, have the photos and videos scanned/copied so everyone can have them.

If you are looking for a great gift for your grandad this year, consider the above 5 ideas.

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

To learn how to get started in genealogy click here.

To learn how to write a poem about your family history click here.

To make art out of Granny’s words of wisdom click here

To learn how to write a family recipe click here

10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late

10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late.

Many people do not realize the importance of asking our parents questions about themselves and the family until it is too late, and after one generation passes, the next generation doesn’t know who is in the family photos or much about the family history. Thankfully, with the advent of easier recording technology, it is now possible to keep our parent’s memories alive through digital recordings such as family movies. Consider recording your parent’s answering these 10 questions before it’s too late.

#1: Who is in the family photos?

If you have family photos of grandparents, great-grandparents, cousins and other family members, then ask your parents about who is in the family photos. This will allow you to identify family members who have passed away. 

#2: Where were you, your parents and (if possible) your grandparents born?

It’s important to know where our family comes from, so make sure to ask your parents about where they were born—along with where other generations of the family were born, if they know about them. Recording this information in family movies will help preserve it for future generations.

#3: What was your childhood like?

Ask your parents about their childhood so that they can share this important piece of history with you. They might share where they grew up, what they liked to play, and the names of family friends— all this family history is so precious and needs to be preserved.

#4: What jobs did you have over the years?

We don’t know much about our parent’s lives before we were born, which is why it’s so important to ask them about the jobs and other adult experiences they had over the years. You might find out they had an interesting job you never knew about!

#5: What are some family stories you were told?

Your parents may know family stories that were passed down to them from their parents or grandparents, so make sure you ask them about these so that they can be preserved for future generations in your family as well.

#6: What is our family’s medical history?

Family history should include medical history whenever possible, especially when it comes to any generic diseases that you or future generations of the family should know about.

#7: What is one special memory you want to share?

Sentimental family history from your parents is truly priceless, and asking your parents about something they want to pass down will be something you, your children and grandchildren will treasure.

#8: Where has our family lived in the past?

Family history should include location, too! Your parents may know where the family has lived in the past, including different countries.

#9: What have you learned throughout your life?

Parental wisdom often goes unrecorded, so take this time to ask your parents to share their wisdom so that you can preserve it as part of family history on video for future generations to see.

#10: Is there anything else you want to share?

Finally, ask your parents about anything else they personally want to share—you might be surprised at what they say!

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn how to film your grandparent with a smart phone click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here.

How to Label Your old photo digital scans by using metadata

How to Label Your old photo digital scans by using metadata.

Old family photographs are cherished treasures, connecting us to our past and the stories of our ancestors. However, without proper labeling, these photographs can become a mystery over time. Thankfully, the digital age offers a powerful solution: metadata. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of labeling your old photo digital scans using metadata, ensuring that the stories behind the images are preserved for generations to come.

Understanding Metadata

Metadata refers to information that is directly embedded into a file, such as a digital scan of your family photos. It can encompass various details, including but not limited to:

• Names of individuals in the photograph

• Date the photograph was taken

• The location where the photograph was captured

• Personal information about the people in the photo, such as birthdays, hair/eye color (especially for black and white photos), or even biographical details like their profession, cause of death, or other interesting anecdotes

• Any other information you deem significant

The beauty of metadata is its flexibility it can be as simple or complex as you desire. There are several ways you can add metadata to your digital photos.

Choose the Right Software or Application:

Choosing the right software or application to handle metadata is crucial for effective photo management. With numerous options available, finding the one that suits your needs is essential. Here are some popular choices:

1. Google Photos: Google Photos is a versatile platform that offers seamless integration with your Google account. It automatically organizes your photos, allows you to add captions, and uses AI-powered algorithms for intelligent searching.

For a step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Google Photos click here.

To learn how to scan your old photos by using Google Photoscan click here.

2. Adobe Lightroom: Adobe Lightroom is a professional-grade photo management software that offers advanced features for organizing and editing your photos. It allows you to add comprehensive metadata, create keywords, and apply tags to enhance searchability.

For a step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Adobe Lightroom click here.

3. Apple Photos: If you are an Apple user, Apple Photos is a convenient option. It syncs seamlessly across your Apple devices, providing easy access to your photos. You can add metadata, create albums, and utilize facial recognition to organize your collection.

For a step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Apple Photos click here.

4. Digikam: Digikam is an open-source photo management application with powerful metadata capabilities. It supports a wide range of file formats and allows you to add detailed metadata, including tags, descriptions, and geolocation information.

For a step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Digikam click here.

5. Windows Photos: Windows Photos is a built-in application for Windows users. While it may not have as many advanced features as other options, it provides basic photo management functionality, including the ability to add metadata such as captions and tags.

For a step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Windows Photos click here.

6. Adobe Bridge

Adobe Bridge is a free software offered by Adobe that will allow you to add more detailed metadata. You can also use Adobe Photoshop, though since that software is not free, Bridge is a solid option for people who aren't interested in buying it.

For a step-by-step guide on how to add metadata to your old photos using Adobe Bridge click here..

Gather Information and Create a System:

Before diving into the process, gather any available information about the photographs you wish to label. This can include names, dates, locations, and any relevant anecdotes. Create a system for organizing this information, such as using a spreadsheet or dedicated note-taking app, to ensure consistency and efficiency during the labeling process.

Adding Metadata to Your Old Photo Scans:

Select the photo(s) you want to label and open them in your chosen software. For more detailed step-by-step guides tailored to specific software options like Google Photos, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Bridge, Apple Photos, Digikam, or Windows Photos, click on the links or refer to the respective guides provided above. And if you're looking to transform your labeled photos and family history into a beautiful film, be sure to explore Silver Screen Family—an amazing company dedicated to preserving and honoring your family's unique story through personalized films.

Back-Up Your Metadata:

To safeguard your hard work, it is essential to back up your metadata along with your digital photo scans. Store the metadata in a separate location or use backup solutions like cloud storage or external hard drives. This ensures that even if the photo files are lost or corrupted, the metadata remains intact and can be easily restored.

Remember: the family history passed down through old family photographs is irreplaceable. You should always make backups of the metadata information you intend to add to these photos in case the original files are ever corrupted or otherwise lost.

Labeling your old photo digital scans with metadata is a valuable practice that preserves the stories and memories behind the images. By following these steps, you can unlock the potential of your photo collection, creating a comprehensive catalog that enriches your family history and provides a legacy for future generations to cherish.

At Silver Screen Family, we understand the importance of preserving family memories. Our personalized films capture the essence of your loved ones' journeys, including the stories behind your labeled old photo digital scans. Let Silver Screen Family help you transform your family history into captivating films that will be treasured for years to come.

Embrace the power of metadata and embark on the journey of preserving your family's legacy, one labeled photograph at a time.

Fun Family History Activities For Family Reunions

Fun Family History Activities For Family Reunions.

Preserving family history is important—but far too often, family history gets forgotten when people in the family do not share what they know (or are never asked what they know!) with everyone else. That is why making sure that everyone knows who is in the old family photographs, and what their stories were, is so important. Family shouldn’t be forgotten, after all, even generations down the line. If you want to help preserve family history in a way that is fun and memorable, why not consider these fun family history activities for family reunions? They will help preserve history without making it boring or stuffy.

Flip through family photo albums together

This activity is also the simplest: everyone sits together and flips through family photos while talking about the people that they know and history that they know. For best results, this can be recorded or otherwise written down so that the family history can be preserved. If there are too many people to make sitting around an album possible, why not have someone scan all the family photos so you can view them on the TV or a large projector screen?

To learn how to back up your old photos click here.

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

To learn how to label your old photo digital scans by using metadata click here.

To learn how to share family films on YouTube privately click here.

Share a story “popcorn” game

This is a game that everyone can enjoy! For this game, everyone sits together and works to share family history stories that they know. Once someone tells a story, they “popcorn” (remember that from school?) someone else—and then it’s their turn to tell a family history story! Make sure you are recording this on video so that the stories can be preserved for future generations. This is a perfect game for reunions because everyone, big or small, can take turns sharing things about the family. You’ll be amazed at what types of interesting stories can get passed around with this type of game.

Family history trivia

If the family already knows a bit about their own family history, you can always turn it into a friendly competition! A family history trivia game—complete with points rewarded and a prize at the end—is a way to help people learn more about family history while reaffirming it in their memories, all wrapped up in a fun game. The trivia can be asked via memory or you can go the extra mile and print out trivia cards that can be read aloud.

Watching videos together

One of the most fun family history activities you can do at a reunion is also the simplest: watch family videos together! These videos are a great way to share memories, reminiscence about times past, and keep family history alive right on the big screen. To make it more interactive, have everyone at the reunion bring at least one video from their side of the family; this way, everyone gets a turn to share their own side of the family history.

Preserving family history is important—but it doesn’t have to be boring! These fun activities will make sharing and preserving history fun, exciting and memorable.

To learn how to write a poem about your family history click here.

To make art out of Granny’s words of wisdom click here

To learn how to write a family recipe click here

Here are five family history gift ideas to give grandad.

Here are five family history gift ideas to give grandma.

How to Convert Old Family Slides to Digital Images

How to Convert Old Family Slides to Digital Images.

Family photos are one of the best ways to preserve family history; everything from the faces of relatives to the places they lived to their memories of vacations, graduations and summers spent at the beach can be preserved through old family photographs. But what do you do with old family slides? Preserving them is a bit more difficult than preserving standard photographs, but thankfully there are some simple ways that you can convert your old family slides into digital images that will help you share and preserve family history for everyone else in your family.

Why Convert Family Slides to Digital Format?

First, a quick note on why you should convert family slides to a digital format: slides can be delicate, and they may be damaged by everything from moisture to hot or cold temperatures to scratches and everything in between. If you want to make sure that your slides are preserved—and turned into photos that you can actually properly see—then you’ll need to convert them into a digital format.

Best Options to Convert Family Photos Slides into Digital Format

There are several different options for converting family slides into a digital format. Which option you choose will depend on what exactly you want to do with the slides and how you prefer to convert them.

Photo Scanning Services

There are a few photo scanning companies available online. These companies allows you to have your family slides (along with other family mementos such as old photos and even home movies) converted into an accessible digital format without having to lift a finger yourself. They usually work like this: you will receive a box kit in the mail, which you then fill with your digital slides or other family mementos that you want converted and preserved. You send the box to the company, and they will handle the conversion for you. Then they will send you your original items back along with the digital files.

This option is best if you’d simply rather have someone else do the work for you, or you don’t have access to the other primary way that you can convert slides into a digital format.

Digital Film Scanner

If you’d rather not send off your family slides to a company, then a digital film scanner is the best way to go. A digital film scanner is a device that allows you to insert your family slides, which are then scanned by the device and sent to your computer. There are many different brands that offer digital film scanners, including Kodak, Magnasonic, Wolverine, and Digitnow. Modern digital scanners often have features that allow you to view and approve or rescan photo slides in real time, so these are a great option when you want fuller control over how the slides are scanned and converted. Some even allow you to flip and rotate the scanned photo, so you won’t have to do that when you start working with the files on your computer later.

If you want to convert old family photos slides into a digital format, consider the above two options.

Now that your old slides are digital files, you can edit out any imperfections that may have occurred over time.

Click here for a useful guide to some free software you can use to edit your pictures back to their former glory!

How to Share Family Videos Online Privately

How to Share Family Videos Online Privately

Your family history is something that deserves to be passed down and preserved for future generations. Most people unfortunately are left with missing pieces of family history because they don’t take the time to preserve it through family films and family photos; but it is easier than ever to create family movies that showcase and highlight your family, including tidbits about your family history that can be shared across generations. 

One of the great things about modern day technology is that it allows people more access to recording equipment than ever before. If you want to create your own special family films, you no longer need to purchase an expensive video camera or rent equipment; all you need is a smart phone, a tripod (or a steady hand) and if you’re looking to make long films, a memory card!  

You can even share your family movies online with the rest of your family, so you won’t have to try to figure out how to burn discs or send memory drives to people across the country. If you want to share your family history privately online, consider the following options to help you share family movies online while still keeping them private. 

YouTube 

YouTube is one of the most popular online video platforms in the world. While most people associate YouTube with very public viral videos, the videos you upload to YouTube don’t have to be public. When it comes to uploading family movies on this platform, you have two options: uploading videos as private, which means only people who are given special access through their YouTube account and view it; or uploading videos as unlisted, which means only people who have the specific links can find the video. If you want to know more, check out my other article about uploading family videos to YouTube. 

For a A Step-by-Step Guide to Privately Uploading and Sharing Family Videos on YouTube Click Here.

Facebook 

Facebook is another option for uploading family films. You can share family history with your family by uploading your family videos to your account under a custom filter that only allows certain people to view the post. This option will require you to have anyone who wants to see the video on your Facebook account, so keep that in mind.  

For a Step-by-Step Guide to Privately Uploading and Sharing Family Videos on Facebook Click Here

Google Drive  

Another option for privately uploading family videos is using Google Drive. Google Drive can be used to upload content and then create private links so that only anyone with the link can view the video. You can also password-protect your videos for added security but remember that you’ll need to give the password to any family members who want to watch the videos.  

  For a Step-by-Step Guide to Privately Uploading and Sharing Family Videos on Google Drive Click Here.

Vimeo  

Vimeo is another option for uploading your videos. You will need to upload your videos as “private”; much like YouTube, you have several privacy options, such as unlisted videos and password-protected videos. 

  For a Step-by-Step Guide to Privately Uploading and Sharing Family Videos on Vimeo Click Here.

Whichever platform you choose, just remember to enjoy sharing your family history through family movies in a private space online. 

For more valuable insights and guidance on recording your family history, we invite you to visit our "Lights Camera Ancestry" video series. Through our videos on the SSFDocumentary YouTube channel, Silver Screen Family provides a wealth of information covering genealogical topics and expert tips on how to record and preserve your family's history.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to create a lasting legacy for your loved ones. Join us on Silver Screen Family's YouTube channel and embark on an exciting journey of capturing and sharing your family's remarkable stories. Together, let's celebrate the power of family and the enduring value of preserving our shared history.

To learn how to back up your old photos click here.

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

To learn how to Label Your old photo digital scans by using metadata click here.

Why Family History Is So Important

Why Family History I

s Important.

How much do you know about your family history? Think about the family members who have already passed on. How much of their stories did they tell? How much has been lost to time? Family history is something to be preserved and cherished; not just for yourself, but for your children, grandchildren, and all generations of the family to come.  

Family photos as well as family films are all excellent ways to preserve and share family history; but regular family movies aren’t all you can do in order to help keep family history alive for the next generations. Let’s take a closer look at why preserving family history is important and how you can uniquely preserve it for the next generation. 

Why Family History Is Important 

First, let’s take a closer look at why preserving family history is so important. If you have been unfortunate enough to lose family members who didn’t share much about their past or who didn’t take the time to record their history, then you already know the sadness that comes with finding boxes of photos or film reels filled with people whose names and stories are now lost forever. In many cases, the names, ages, birthplaces and stories of these family members is simply gone forever; especially if they didn’t leave behind letters or any other traces of their story that might give a clue as to their name or personality or life as a whole.  

That is why preserving family history is such a vital part of life. When you preserve the history of your ancestors, you are preserving and cherishing their lives; you are also enriching the lives of your current family members, all of whom can benefit from knowing about the people who came before them. When people take the time to preserve that history in a meaningful way, the stories of those family members can be shared with the next generations, and then the next generations, and so on. 

How to Preserve Family History: Going Beyond Albums and Handheld Cameras 

Naturally, family photo albums and backed-up digital files of home movies are all great ways to preserve history. You should have your family photos scanned and backed up (please see our article on how to back up old photos here) in addition to ensuring that family videos are backed up digitally as well. There is, however, another unique way that you can keep family history alive; this method goes beyond standard family films and photos.  

You can truly preserve your family’s stories in a unique and meaningful way by encouraging family members to tell their stories while being filmed—as well as the stories of any family members who have passed away and are no longer with us. For instance, your mother might sit with a photo of her great-aunt, and explain the history of the woman in the photograph. Who was she? When was she born? What was she like? What did she do?  

This way, the story of the great aunt (which otherwise would be lost to time) is passed on for the next generation. Check out our article on How to Film a Family Interview with your Smartphone here. 

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn how to film your grandparent with a smart phone click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here. 

Should You Store Your Family Films on YouTube?

Should you store your family films on YouTube?

Family history is important, and one of the ways that people preserve their family history is through photos as well as family movies. Family films can capture those precious and important moments in your family, from birthday parties to garden barbecues and everything in between.  

It’s becoming easier than ever to backup family mementos in ways that allow you to share them with the rest of your family—but what about family movies? Unlike family photos, movies aren’t as easily uploaded to sites where your family can privately access them to view family history. One option that many people are turning to in order to store family films is YouTube. But should you store your family history on YouTube? Let’s take a closer look at the options you have for storing family movies using this service. 

Uploading to YouTube 

There are three primary ways that you can upload family films to YouTube: public videos, private videos and unlisted videos. Each of these video options has its pros and cons when it comes to uploading family movies.  

Public Videos 

Public videos are completely available to the public. Anyone can technically find your family movies if they happen to come across them using the search function. This also means that the videos can be shared and embedded by anyone on the internet. It is not the best option if you want your family movies to be private, or if the information or content on the videos is something you (or someone in the video) wouldn’t want to be shared with the world. This option does allow for easier access for family members because they won’t have to follow special links or get invited, but it does come with the drawbacks of no privacy. 

Private Videos 

Private videos can only be viewed by people who have been specifically invited to view the video. This means that anyone who wants to view the video has to have a YouTube account, and you (or whoever decides to upload the videos) have to invite them. This is the ultimate private option on YouTube, as it allows you to grant exclusive control over who can view the video. This option is limited to 50 accounts, so it’s not ideal if you want to share the video with a massive amount of family members. 

Unlisted Videos 

Unlisted videos can technically be viewed by anyone—however; they cannot be found using the search function and can only be discovered by people who have the specific link to the video. You can then give out this link to a select group of people whom you want to see your family movies. The upside to this option is that people can view it without having a YouTube account or waiting to be invited/approved; the downside is that the videos are technically not private and if someone gives out the link in a public location, other people could view the video. 

If you want to store your family movies on YouTube, carefully consider the above options when making your decision. 

To learn how to back up your old photos click here.

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

To learn how to label your old photo digital scans by using metadata click here.

Which Free Editing Software Is the Best?

Which Free Editing Software Is the Best?

Our family history is one of the most important things we can preserve in our lifetimes; family films and family photos are two of the most common ways that we can make sure that our family history is preserved for future generations. Everything from names and family stories to someone’s smile and laughter can be preserved with family films--but what do you do with the footage once you have it? 

If you are like most people, you probably can’t afford expensive, professional grade video editing software for your family films. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get your family history in top shape for sharing with other family members. There are many free editing software options to choose from, each of which offers great features at zero cost to you. 

Best Free Editing Software 

There are many free editing software options out there, but some stand out above the others.The following are some of the best free editing software options for preserving your family history on film. 

Lightworks 

Lightworks is one of the best free editing software options out there today. You can get Lightworks on Windows, Mac or Linux. There is a paid version of Lightworks, but most people do just fine with the free version which has plenty of features. 

The free editor includes: 

• Multicam support options 

• Export to 720p 

• High precision video trimming 

• Multiple video formats supported 

There are even video tutorial available with Lightworks which can help you learn the ropes.  

Shotcut 

Shotcut is an open source video editing program that lets you access tons of great editing features at no cost. The editor supports multiple formats and includes tutorial videos to help you learn the basics. Shotcut even supports 4k HD resolution support along with easy timeline editing. Although some users might find the interface hard to understand at first, once you start using Shotcut, you’ll quickly learn the ropes and have no problem managing the interface. 

Machete Video Editor Lite 

Machete Video Editor Lite is a simple yet effective free video editor that will let you get the job done simply and efficient. The free version only lets you edit video, so you won't be able to edit audio only, but unless you're trying to do something advanced with your family films, this probably won't be an issue. Machete Lite is Windows only and doesn't support many different file tips, but if you're lucky to simply splice your family videos together, this is a great, simple option. 

Avidemux 

Avidemux is a great beginner's editing software that has some surprisingly powerful features. The features offered by Avidemux include cutting and splicing, encoding and adding filters. The interface is very easy and simple to use, and although there aren't as many features in this video editor as others, it's great for beginners and simple jobs. 

If you’re looking for free video editing software for your family films, check out any of the above options. 

How To Film Your Parents/Grandparents On A Smart Phone.

How To Film Your Parents/Grandparents On A Smart Phone.

How To Film Your Parents/Grandparents On A Smart Phone. 

Photos are the only record many people have of their family history. A photo album is the only way to look at the precious few pictures of your grandparents there are. You can’t hear them talk, or laugh, or cry. Just a few, faded black and white pictures in a family album. You’ll have no idea who some of the people in there are, as there’s no information along with the pictures. 

At Silver Screen Family our aim is to get people to start filming their parents/loved ones with whatever equipment they might have available. 

I have always had a passion for family history and ever since I was a child I have been filming my family history videos.  My family is now so grateful that I filmed my great grandmother talking about her childhood.  Remembering the first time she read the headline of the Titanic sinking.  Remembering the hardships endured in the First and Second World Wars as well as the more personal stories such as her first boyfriend who sadly died.  This I filmed as a child with an old home movie camera!

The digital revolution has changed the way we film and shoot footage.   Everyone has a decent camera on their phone nowadays.  It has also made sharing family history documents and family film recordings much easier. 

We don’t realize how easy this is to do and how important it is to have these family historical recordings until our parents or grandparents are no longer with us and we have no one to ask.  

Having a family film that documents your family history will enable you to share it with your children.  Having a video showing mum talk about the person in an old black and white photo, for example, will help pass this knowledge down your generation line when they and us are no longer are around. 

The aim of this article is to show how with the equipment you already have, you can create a great family history film without having to purchase any further equipment.   I recommend using a cheap lavalier mic compatible with your phone and a tripod but as I say this is not necessary as the aim of this article is to create a good film out of the equipment you already have.  

1. You will need an iPhone or other smart mobile phones with a camera.  (please make sure you film horizontally and in the best video quality possible). 

2. Lighting is very important.  Have your parent or family member face a window (Try avoiding direct sunlight as this will create shadows).  Place the camera between them and the window. 

3. Audio from a mobile phone can vary and I recommend getting a cheap lavalier microphone, which is compatible with your phone.  You can find decent microphones online for under £25.   Regardless of the microphone, you use, when recording close all windows and switch off any loud electronic appliances such as TVs, radios, fans, etc.  The aim is to record in a quiet and peaceful environment where we will only hear our parent’s/grandparent’s voice. 

4. Holding your phone whilst recording will create a lot of movement making the video judder.  Using a tripod stand will give you a stable image with no movement.  If you do not have a tripod stand do not worry rest your phone on a stack of books for example. 

5. It is worth remembering that the family history movie you create will be passed down from generation to generation. Try finding a clutter-free area in the house where your family member could be filmed.  The aim is to have no distractions in the shot and the viewer focuses on them.  

6. Framing your shot.  Try to relax your parent, sit them on a comfortable chair and set your shot.  Try positioning your family member on one-third of the screen either to the left or to the right (as can be seen in the example below).  Once you have set your shot, ask your parent to leave a pause between your question and their response.  That will be really helpful when editing the video.  Next week I will be writing a blog about the best free editing software to edit your family film. Stayed tuned and happy filming!!!  

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here.

How to Back Up Your Old Photos.

How to back up old photos.

Family photo albums are a window into your family history. The names, faces and stories of your family members are all held in your cherished photos and family films. Many people do not think about backing up their family photo albums and family films until something has happened to damage them, such as water or fire damage; thankfully, it is easier than ever to back up your old photos and keep your family history safe and secure. 

Scanning Photos with a Traditional Scanner  

The most traditional way to back up family photo albums is with a standard scanner. For this, you’ll need a scanner capable of scanning photos in colour; these photos can then be backed up onto a laptop or computer and then onto a cloud, USB drive or other backup method.  

Scanning Photos with a Smart Phone 

If you want a way to back up your family photos that is a lot easier and more convenient than a bulky traditional scanner, you can use your smart phone to quickly and efficiently back up your family photos. Thanks to the development of special photo backup apps, it’s possible to get high quality scans of your family photos that you can treasure forever.  

To learn how to back up your old photos click here.

To learn how to convert old family slides click here.

To learn how to label your old photo digital scans by using metadata click here.

To learn how to share family films on YouTube privately click here.

Photo Backup Apps 

There are a number of different photo backup apps on the market today, some of which are free and others which require a subscription or fee. If you are looking for a backup app that will help you efficiently back up all your family photos, take a look at the following 3 apps that are sure to get the job done right. 

Google PhotoScan  

PhotoScan from Google is one of the most popular photo backup apps in the world, thanks to two factors: one, it is free to use; and two, it has a simple and easy-to-use interface that is perfect for backing up large amounts of photos. PhotoScan can also be integrated with Google Drive, so you can automatically back up your photos to a cloud without having to upload them manually. 

DropBox  

The popular cloud hosting site DropBox also doubles as a photo scan backup app which can be integrated right into the DropBox cloud platform. The DropBox photo backup interface is easy to use and allows for quick cropping and minor editing. Your photos can then be automatically backed up onto a DropBox account for safekeeping. 

PhotoMyne 

If you’re looking for something that’s more on the advanced side, then you will want to check out PhotoMyne, which allows you to backup, edit and manage your family photos. PhotoMyne is a paid app that requires a subscription service, so keep this in mind when choosing an app. 

Upload to Cloud 

Once you have your family photo albums and family films backed up, you’ll want to upload them to a cloud account so that you will always have a copy of them even if the originals or your phone are damaged. Popular cloud options include Google Drive, Dropbox, and Flickr.  

Check out our 10 questions to ask your parents before it's too late!

To learn which is the best software for doing a family tree click here.

To learn how to trace holocaust survivors and victims in your family history click here.

To learn whether we should record the lives of our pets click here.

To learn how to research gay family history click here.