Photography projects: Ideas and Inspiration for old photos

A family wedding (c 1920)

I only touched on my love for genealogy in yesterday's homeschooling post. I truly have been bitten by the bug again. I can't believe that I let it slip away from me for so many years! With my renewed interest came a renewed determination to do it correctly, accurately, and fully. It's no longer based simply on an interest, but a need to record the life story of the people that we have lost as well as to discover the stories of those forgotten. I don't want my uncle and grandparents to become forgotten along the way.

I'm a visual person. (I'm also a wordy person, but that's another story!) When I think of creating a lasting memory the path at some point will lead me to photography. I was blessed to have photos of my father in law's family when he was a little boy - and even before he existed! - as well as photographs from my grandmother's family for several generations.

My mind is racing... what can I do with these photos to give them the attention that they deserve?

Frames... everyone does frames. (And who has the wall space for all of that?)

Scrapbooks.... maybe, but then I'm still faced with the same problem that I had in the first place. No one would be able to look at them unless they knew where to find them.

I'm still undecided, but I have a few spots of inspiration. I'd love ideas. If you've used old photos in a creative way please share your stories!

Stay tuned to see how I decide to incorporate these pieces of family history into the art that I see hidden behind the curtains. But until then, maybe you'll get some inspiration for your own family photographs from the links below.

*Disclaimer: I am fully aware that original photos should be preserved and maintained in a way that future generations can see them, love them, cherish them. I'll be using copies. I'm creative... not MAD!

Project ideas:

A wall clock. This could definitely be a possibility! Talk about a centerpiece for a room!

Quite a long list of ideas, but I think that I love the idea of holiday cards. I'm thinking note cards would be wonderful...


A photo quilt square! I love this idea! It might be a long-term project, but it would incorporate a few of my favorite things. (And now I'm singing with Julie Andrews...)

Photo magnets (though I can think of an additional way to use these using some recycled jars.)

And, last but not least, Martha. I said then name, and you knew, didn't you? I have to say that I'm not always a fan of the Miss M., but she does have some amazing ideas for photos! (My problem isn't with her specifically, but I would love to see her with a rats nest in her hair and a spill on her shirt every now and again just to make her seem human. he he...)


So tell me, how are you using your photos (and can I steal your ideas?)

Homeschooling + Genealogy = High Interest Learning

So, I'm a girl that posts a lot about art and music. I love it. But, I must admit that I have another love affair of a different sort. History. I can get lost in the sights and sounds of another time period so very quickly. I truly think that my love of history is what sparked my interest in genealogy. Granted, I've taken a long hiatus from my research but I'm back and ready for action. Because I've been working more on it lately it started me thinking... History + Genealogy!

Merriam-Webster's website defines history as:

1. A tale, story
2. a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes 
3. a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
4. a: events that form the subject matter of a history; and
    b: events of the past

Let's review these definitions. A story or tale... History isn't a dry bunch of dusty facts. It's a STORY! It's a tale of living people and the EVENTS that happened during their lives. Understanding these stories and learning about these events helps us EXPLAIN past events and even where we are today. (I know how my family ended up in GA. Do you know how your family ended up where they are today, and why you speak with the particular accent you do rather than another?) These events and explanations together build an entire SUBJECT... the HISTORY of our families, our country, and our world.


So back to my original thought: History + Genealogy! What better way to make history come alive! We've always tied our family history into our studies where it was applicable, but in all honestly I could do a better job. American history is steeped with opportunity to focus on our family's history. Every family has a part, whether it is the immigrant story, the adventure of the Gold Rush, the courage of the Civil Rights Movement, or the bravery and heroics of any number of wars. The various wars that involve the United States throughout history are also good places to incorporate world history. Suppose you find out that Great Uncle Louie loved to tinker in the garage with his latest inventions. Wouldn't that be a wonderful way to tie in the greatest minds of the past such as Tesla, Edison, Carver? Think about how real history will seem when you suddenly have a relative to include among the dry facts and dates. It is also much easier to remember facts and data when you have a hook on which to hang the information. Make Great Uncle Louie that hook!

So, how do you get started? Don't forget, Google is your friend. A quick Google search will return many ideas on how to incorporate genealogy into your homeschool. Here are just a few that I particularly liked for the younger to middle set:

A to Z Home's Cool has a great list of links to enjoy under the title Genealogy For Kids.

Easy Fun School also has a fun Genealogy Mini Unit. It's a great little jumping off point with options for both younger and older students.

Homeschool Learning Network has a free unit study available for Grandparent's Day and Family History. (Lessons #1 and #2 are perfect for an intro into genealogy!)

For my high school-aged daughter I simply drag her along for the ride with me. I'm in the process of setting up the Legacy Family Tree free genealogy software, but once I'm up and running she'll help me search through records online and locally. (I'm getting to sift through mountains of notes and papers in order to make sense of it all... and I love it!) I hope to find a few more connections to Jamestown Colony and other events before we study American history next year. While we won't approach it as the beginning for our unit study we will incorporate it as we find information or as we cover particular chapters in history. I will include biographies as well as maps and source documents wherever possible. How better to understand what life was like during the 1700s in Virginia than to read the letters and will of an ancestor? I know it makes it more real to me. Now, to just figure out how to convince the husband that we need to take a research trip around the great state of Virginia...

Do you love genealogy? Are you actively connecting your family history with your homeschool history assignment? I would love to hear about it! Who knows, maybe I'll write a post about genealogy. After all, it is becoming another "new found" obsession interest and it is on my Big Fat 100 of 2011 list!  :)

And, to give you something fun to think about, Ancestry.com has a free two-week trial membership. If you need a bit of entertainment to kick off a new hobby check out the new season of Who Do You Think You Are? I'm a new fan, and let's just say that I've been spending a lot of time watching Season One on Hulu.com! (I have no reason to post these links other than I enjoy them. No reviews, no compensation, no reason... just because...)

History is exciting and a real part of our lives. We are making history ourselves in our own circles and our own communities. It's time to remind ourselves that it surrounds us every day. Go talk to a grandmother or make a family tree. Your kids will thank you for it!