Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.
Many treasure hunters are collectors. Some detectorists search for things to sell, but many develop a special appreciation for the things they find and naturally become collectors. If you really appreciate your items, you will eventually want to pass them on to a good home where they will continue to be appreciated. It is very fortunate when there is someone of the younger generation in your family that has an interest and appreciation for the items. The items can then be passed on as family heirlooms.
Here is a list of common family heirlooms.
1. Jewelry 2. Timepieces 3. Furniture 4. Recipes 5. Letters, diaries, scrapbooks 6. Bibles and other books 7. Military memorabilia 8. Quilt 9. Collections 10. Family home or land 11. Wedding gowns and other vintage clothing 12. Cedar chests, hope chests, steamer trunks 13. Musical instruments 14. Photos, photo albums, wedding albums, yearbooks 15. Weapons 16. Kitchenware 17. Embroidered linens 18. Art 19. Stories 20. Vegetables 21. Absolutely anything else
As you can see a family heirloom can be almost anything, but no matter what it is, it should be "meaningful." A good heirloom has to have a history and a personal connection. The story must be preserved and passed along, so you will want to write record all the relevant details so they can be passed from one generation to the next. Even if the item isn't kept in the family, the story will often enhance its value.
My wife and I have family heirlooms from each of the above categories except vegetables or plants. We both appreciate the items that are reminders of our parents and grandparents, and even events in our own younger lives. We respect the things that the previous generations thought were important enough to keep and pass down.
One category of heirloom that was not included in the above list is Christmas ornaments and decorations, which, of course, are collected by many collectors, and for me, are among the most likely of heirlooms.
Thanks to my parents and grandparents, Christmas has always been the most magical day of the year for me. We enjoy decorating our tree with items passed down through the generations and that we on our tree or around the house when we were children. Every year when we decorate our tree we take out those old decorations and are reminded of our own childhood Christmases. Old Christmas ornaments can be displayed yearly and will always bring back precious memories of Christmases and loved ones that are no longer around. My favorite Christmas ornaments may not be the most beautiful or valuable, but they bring back priceless memories.
No matter what kind of heirloom you are talking about, take the time to write down where the item came from, who used it and any other relevant details. Provide the whole story and find the best person to be the next caretaker. Heirlooms provide a good way to respect those you love and pass along the family history.
Researching your ancestry is good, but when you pass along an heirloom, you pass along a tangible piece of the past. Protect, preserve, and pass along your favorite objects.
Best wishes,
TreasureGuide@comcast.net