How to Be a Family Historian and Preserve Your Delta Legacy
“Your family’s stories are a vital part of Northeast Louisiana’s history. Here’s how you can start preserving them today.”
Photo Album of African American Extended Family Life C. 1930-1960. Family life African American. Courtesy Max Rambod Rare Books.
You don’t need a history degree to be a historian. Some of the most important stories in our community are waiting in your family’s photo albums, attic, and the memories of your elders.
At the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, we believe that preserving the grand narrative of our region begins with preserving the personal ones. Your family’s legacy is a crucial piece of our shared heritage—and getting started is easier than you think.
“History is more than dates and famous names. It’s the texture of everyday life, the struggles and triumphs that shape a community. When you preserve a single family story, you’re preserving a thread of that larger tapestry.”
Here’s a simple guide to help you begin.
1. Start with the Stories (The Most Important Step)
An object without a story is just a thing; a story without an object is still a treasure.
Talk to Your Elders: Approach them as a curious listener. Ask open-ended questions:
“What was your neighborhood like growing up?”
“What’s your strongest memory of your grandmother?”
Record, Don’t Just Write: Use your phone’s voice memo app to capture their voice, laughter, and way of telling the story—that’s all part of history.
Capture the Details: When you find an old photo, write on the back (with an acid-free pen) or in a digital note:
“Ida Mae Johnson, at her graduation from Monroe Colored High School, 1952.”
2. Caring for Physical Objects
Once you have the stories, you can better care for the objects that anchor them. You don’t need a museum budget to make a big difference.
Photographs & Papers: Keep them out of attics and basements. Store in acid-free boxes or albums away from direct sunlight.
Textiles: Quilts and clothing tell stories of skill, resourcefulness, and beauty. Fold neatly with acid-free tissue paper and store in a cool, dry place.
The Golden Rule: Never use tape or glue on original photos or documents. Those magnetic albums from the ’70s and ’80s can cause irreversible damage. The goal is to slow down time, not speed it up.
3. The Power of a Single Object: A Lesson from Bill Russell’s Jersey
Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics Jersey.
Why does a basketball jersey hold a place of honor in our museum? Because it’s more than fabric—it represents a young man from Monroe, Louisiana, who became a global icon and a powerful voice for civil rights.
Your family history works the same way. A worn work glove, a church fan, or a recipe card in your grandmother’s handwriting can unlock a powerful story about perseverance, faith, or love. Your mission: discover and preserve it.
4. Making it Last – The Digital Bridge
Create digital copies to preserve information and share it with relatives near and far.
Scanning: Flatbed scanners are best for photos and documents; smartphone apps like Google PhotoScan work in a pinch. Always scan at high resolution.
Organizing: Use clear file names. “Johnson_FamilyReunion_1985.jpg” beats “IMG_1234.jpg” every time.
Backing Up: Follow the 3-2-1 Rule: keep 3 copies of important files, on 2 types of media (computer + external hard drive), with 1 copy off-site (like cloud storage).
Tip: Add relatives’ names or short notes in file metadata so future generations can quickly understand each object.
You Are a Keeper of History
Every story you save, every photo you preserve, is an act of love for your family and a contribution to the history of the Louisiana Delta. These personal legacies are the foundation of our collective story.
Start this week: pick a box of photos or schedule a conversation with a relative.
Have a question? Found an object you can’t identify? Bring a picture to the museum—we’re always happy to try and help piece together the past.
Support this mission: Become a member or make a donation. Share this post:
You’ll help preserve iconic artifacts like Bill Russell’s jersey, ensuring these stories inspire generations to come.
The greatest legacy we can leave is a story that is not forgotten.
