Why and How to Document Personal Stories for Future Generations: Be a Good Ancestor!

Are you hesitant to document personal stories for one reason or another? Are you afraid your life is too ordinary? Are you worried that future generations will judge you for being human? In this article, we'll help you find the confidence and tools to become a good ancestor as you document your life authentically and accurately.

Let’s face it: being remembered as a “great ancestor” is a high bar to set. It’s not like most of us are conquering kingdoms or discovering continents. But there’s something crucial about the legacy we leave behind. And no, I’m not talking about bank accounts, real estate, or our beloved 1965 candy-apple-red Mustang. I’m talking about YOU—your stories, experiences, thoughts, and wisdom. One day, a genealogist (maybe your great-great-grandchild) will sit down with a cup of tea, soak in all the family records, and wonder, “What was life like for my great-grandparents?” Will your story be there for them to enjoy? 

If you want to be a great ancestor—the kind that future generations get excited about—then you need to take matters into your own hands, literally. You’ve got to document and publish your life. Otherwise, you'll just be a name on a family tree with a lifespan in parentheses. And let me tell you, that dash between the birth and death years doesn't say much about the times you tried to feed your family a decent meal without electricity during one of the many “shelter in place” events you survived. 

Fortunately, becoming a great ancestor is easier than you think. You don’t have to become famous, but you do have to be intentional. Here’s how you can ensure you’re remembered, in your own words, for generations to come. 

1. Documenting Personal Stories: Write it Down—Type It or Speak It—Whatever Works for You 

Step one is simple: write it down. Your thoughts, memories, experiences—put them on paper or in a Word document or, if you're the digital type, in a note-taking app. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But my life isn’t that exciting.” Guess what? Neither were most of the lives of our ancestors. But we still wish we knew more about their day-to-day lives. Wouldn’t knowing how they navigated their pandemic in the early twentieth century have been helpful? 

Genealogists constantly look through birth certificates, census records, and wonderfully smelly diaries. It’s thrilling to come across an ancestor’s journal or a collection of letters talking about mundane things—what they ate for breakfast, who they met, and what their neighborhood was like. These seemingly unimportant details of daily life are golden because they transport us back in time, and just like us, future generations will want to know what it was like living in our era. 

So, don’t wait for a significant event to start documenting. Start with today, or write about your first apartment, how you met your partner, your job, or even your go-to comfort shows you enjoy streaming. (I’m sure they will have to research what “streaming a show” means for us.) The ordinary is extraordinary when it’s a hundred years in the past. 

2. Photos Are Worth a Thousand Words—But They Need Captions 

We are living in an era where photographs abound. Thanks to smartphones we’ve got more pictures than ever, yet most are just floating around in the cloud without context. You know what I’m talking about—those 2,000 photos of your cat, your vacation, and that latte you had during lunch. If you’re documenting your life, give those photos some captions. 

We don’t have to imagine how frustrating it is to find a box of old family photos without names, dates, or explanations. “Who’s this woman standing by Uncle Archie? Why did Grandma have this soldier’s photograph hidden in her sewing box?” You can solve this issue for future generations by noting who’s in the picture, where it was taken, and maybe even why. Give context to the images. That way, your descendants won’t have to play “Guess Who” with their ancestors. (Although playing photo detective can be loads of fun, nonetheless.) 

Not every photo needs to be archived for posterity, but some certainly should. Try to caption the ones that matter, such as family holidays, major life events, and candid moments that capture the essence of who the person is. Even a photo of your house or car can be fascinating in a hundred years! 

If you have older photographs already in print, take an archival-quality pencil (NOT a pen) and write everything you remember about the place, time, and subject(s) on the back of the photograph. 

3. Get Personal—Share Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Lessons Learned 

When documenting personal stories, facts are great, but emotions and reflections are where the magic happens. Think about the most memorable biographies you’ve read. It’s not the date of the person’s wedding that grips you, but how they felt on their wedding day. It’s not the list of jobs they’ve had but what they learned from those experiences. 

Don’t shy away from sharing your personal thoughts and feelings. Why did you take that job as an emergency room clerk when the sight of blood makes you faint? What are your hopes for retirement? What’s been your biggest life lesson? Do you have any advice you’d want to pass down to your descendants? Write it down! Your future family will cherish this. They’ll want to know how you dealt with challenges, what made you laugh, and what kept you going during hard times. 

These reflections provide a window into your soul and a compass for future generations. Who knows? Your great-great-grandchild may go through something similar and find comfort in your words. What an incredible legacy, being able to lend a helping hand decades after you are gone! 

4. Documenting Personal Stories Creates a Legacy of Curiosity—Ask Questions, Too 

Part of being a great ancestor isn’t just about telling your story—it’s about sparking curiosity in future generations. Ask questions that you wish you could ask your own ancestors. What would you want to know if you had the chance to speak to your great-great-grandfather? What details are missing from your family history? 

Jot those questions down. By being inquisitive, you leave your own story behind and invite future genealogists to keep building on it. Of course, your descendants might not find the answers, either. But it is a way to connect on common ground. The act of asking encourages them to keep exploring and digging into the family narrative. 

5. Don’t Forget the Technology—It’s Literally in Your Hand 

This is the twenty-first century, and while handwritten journals are wonderful, we’ve got high-tech tools to preserve your legacy in ways your ancestors could not imagine. Consider creating digital archives of your journals, photos, and even voice recordings.  

Every genealogist alive would be thrilled to hear the voices of their ancestors. In the same way, your descendants will cherish a recording of you reading a favorite story, talking about your childhood, or singing your favorite song. With so many options—blogs, podcasts, and digital time capsules—you can curate a multimedia collection that will make future generations feel like they know you. 

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Flaws—They Are Relatable 

We tend to idolize our ancestors, imagining them as stoic, noble figures who led perfect lives. But the truth is, they were human—just like us. If you want to leave behind a compelling story, don’t sanitize it. Be real. Talk about your mistakes, your regrets, and your struggles. Your imperfections are part of what makes you relatable and interesting. 

Your descendants and future genealogists alike will appreciate an accurate, complete picture of who you were. After all, it’s your vulnerabilities, along with your strengths, that make you who you are. 

Start Now, Not Tomorrow! Document Personal Stories Today!

The best time to start documenting your life was probably yesterday, right? Well, it's impossible to go back in time. So, let's start now. Don’t wait for the “right moment” to begin—there is no perfect moment. Start with where you are now. Write about today. Caption that old family photo. Record your voice reading your favorite poem. Describe your family’s favorite meal and how to make it. 

Genealogy goes beyond simply tracing a family tree. It's about discovering who your ancestors were, what they cherished, and how they lived. One day, someone will want to learn about you, and by documenting your life today, you'll make sure you're remembered as the remarkable ancestor you already are.  

Best of luck on your journey to becoming a legend! 

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