Classes focus on preserving memories

By Bennie Scarton Jr.

Published: January 4, 2009

Many families have boxes full of old photos or negatives in a closet, fading memories of distant relatives and child-hood holidays, souvenirs from a vacation or clothing handed down through the generations.

They might also have the sense that important family history will be lost unless these mementos can be pre-served.

"Family Voices," a winter series of four workshops sponsored by the Manassas Museum, can assist families in preserving their unique histories and creating lasting gifts for future generations.

"Jumpstart Memories" will be offered Jan. 11 at the museum. Author Andrea Vincent will share tips from her book, "Bite-Size Pieces of My Past: Writing your life story in digestible chunks."

"You don't have to be a novelist to share your story with others. With the direction of 'Bite-Size Pieces of My Past,' you can jot down the most memorable people, places and things in a convenient, profes-sional format to share with family and friends," she said.

Attendees will receive a copy of Vincent's book.

Vincent is also the author of a children's story, "Walk This Way," and is at work on books for pre-teens and teenagers.

More Family Voices workshops are planned.

On Jan. 25, "Uncover Your Family's History" with Dale L. Neighbors, prints and photographs coordinator in the Special Collections Branch of the Library of Virginia, will help participants identify, date and store family photographs. Neighbors will provide original historical photographs for examination and discussion in the hands-on program. Participants are also invited to bring their own family photographs.

Participants can learn how to research and create a family tree during the "Climbing Your Family Tree" session on Feb. 15 with Greg Mason, who has conducted genealogical searches throughout the U.S. and Europe for 52 years.

"Conserving Family Heirlooms" will help those attending learn how to safeguard and display a variety of keepsakes. The session will be led by museum curator Roxanna Adams on March 8. Samples of archival preser-vation and storage materials for paper, textiles and other heirlooms will be provided for participants.

All the workshops will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the museum. Admission for each session is $25 or $90 for all four workshops. To make a reservation call 703-368-1873.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.