Family show-and-tell brings history to life

Sharing family history through stories is a great way to reconnect – without the distraction of devices – over the holidays. (Wix file photo)

Submitted by Kathy Goul, Family & Consumer Science Agent

K-State Research and Extension

One of the hottest topics discussed this past year has been artificial intelligence – more commonly referred to as AI.  The business world has highlighted the benefits of this new technology. Social media is buzzing about the advantages and disadvantages of AI.  As exciting as new technology can be, there is one thing artificial intelligence cannot do – tell your family story.

Some of the best moments happen when we turn off technology long enough to swap stories. Maybe it’s around the dinner table, maybe it’s during a long car ride, or maybe it’s just a quick call that turns into an hour of laughing about old memories. From the wild tales grandparents swear are true to the tiny moments that somehow become family legends, sharing these stories is a simple way to stay connected and remember where we come from.

Generations are linked through storytelling.  An important way to learn about our family heritage is by sharing memories of years gone by.  Most of us are not born “natural” storytellers.  Some of us may feel our story is not important. Others may not know how to share.  A simple solution?  Show-and-tell!  The concept is simple yet powerful. 

During the holiday season, or at family gatherings throughout the year, encourage family members to bring an heirloom and share the story behind it.  A show-and-tell sparks conversation across age groups, giving younger family members a chance to learn about their heritage. It turns ordinary objects into extraordinary storytellers, reminding everyone of the love and creativity woven into family history.  It creates of sense of belonging, especially during the holidays when traditions matter most.

A family heirloom show-and-tell does not have to be a major production. It can be a simple conversation.  Remember it is about the stories and not the event itself.  Encourage family members to bring a variety of items.  Heirlooms don’t have to be fancy – recipe card, a pocketknife, a quilt, a favorite toy or a weird souvenir all will make for good conversation.  Involve children in the conversations by encouraging them to bring items as well.

Family heirlooms are born from items we have with us today.  A photo or souvenir from a recent family trip, an item or award from school, a concert t-shirt - all have a story to tell.  Keep it short and fun, giving participants a limited amount of time (2-3 minutes) to talk about their item and the memories attached to it.  Ask the presenter to share not just what the item is, but its history, how it was passed down and why it is special.

Once everyone has an opportunity to share, follow up conversations can spark additional memories or stories.

Conversations can also be sparked by doing a “mystery heirloom” show-and-tell.  If you do not have time in advance to plan a family event, highlight an item of your own and have family members guess its story before you reveal it.  Consider “pass the object storytelling” where one heirloom gets passed around and each person adds a memory or guess.  If a meal is planned for your family gathering, consider doing a heirloom recipe tasting – bringing your favorite dish tied to a family recipe and share the story behind it.

Throughout the event, have someone record the stories.  A video, audio recording or a photo of the item with the story attached will create a time capsule for future generations.  These stories can make us laugh, cry and appreciate each other in new ways.  By making family heirloom storytelling part of family traditions, we can ensure that memories are preserved and passed down.  It’s a simple way to celebrate not only the season, but the people and stories that make each family unique.

For more information on hosting a family heirloom show-and-tell, contact Kathy Goul at 913-294-4306 or by email at kgoul@ksu.edu.