My ancestry wall has become one of my favorite spaces in our home. Every morning and evening I look at all the people that help mold me into who I am today. Whether it’s family, friends or loved ones, it has given me an opportunity to hold gratitude and serve as a reminder of the values that they have instilled in me. My father, Robert Swihart, who once was at the bottom of his high school class, worked hard and graduated from Ohio State with a PhD in Cryptography. My Great-Grandfather Walter F. Carey, who invented the car carrier for Ford Automotive, worked as the head of the Department of Commerce for Eisenhower and is in the Automotive Hall of Fame. My mom, sister, Grandmother, Grandfather, and many more loved ones have spots up the staircase. An ancestry wall is a wonderful way to honor and celebrate the heritage of your family in your home. It serves as a visual representation of your family’s roots and can be a source of pride, connection, and inspiration for generations to come.

The Why of an Ancestry Wall:

1. Preserving Family History: An ancestry wall is a living testament to your family’s legacy. By showcasing old photographs, documents, and memorabilia, you can preserve and share your family’s history with future generations.
2. Strengthening Family Bonds: Building an ancestry wall can be a collaborative effort involving multiple family members. It creates an opportunity for family gatherings and conversations, strengthening the emotional bonds among relatives as they come together to share stories and memories.
3. Cultural Identity and Pride: Ancestry walls can remind us of our cultural heritage and the journeys our ancestors took to bring us to where we are today. It fosters a sense of cultural identity and pride, as you can visually connect with your roots and understand the diversity that shapes your family history.
4. Inspiration and Resilience: Learning about your ancestors’ struggles, triumphs, and stories of resilience can provide inspiration during challenging times. It’s a reminder that the strength and determination to overcome obstacles run in your family’s DNA.
5. Educational Value: An ancestry wall can serve as an educational tool for children and young adults. It offers an opportunity for them to learn about their family’s history and understand how it ties into broader historical events and movements.

The How of an Ancestry Wall:

1. Gather Information and Memorabilia: Begin by collecting photographs, letters, certificates, and any other memorabilia related to your family’s history. Reach out to relatives and gather stories and information about your ancestors to add depth and context to the display.
2. Create a Layout and Design: Decide on the location of your ancestry wall. It could be a dedicated wall in your living room, hallway, or any space that is visible and accessible to everyone. Choose a design that complements your home’s aesthetic and allows for future expansions.
3. Frame and Arrange Items: Invest in good-quality frames to protect and display your memorabilia. Organize the items chronologically or thematically, creating a visually appealing layout. Consider adding labels or descriptions for each piece to explain its significance.
4. Include a Family Tree: Incorporate a family tree in your ancestry wall to show the connections between generations. You can use a pre-made family tree chart or create one yourself, either in a traditional or artistic style.
5. Utilize Technology: Enhance your ancestry wall with the help of technology. Consider incorporating digital photo frames to display a rotating collection of images or use QR codes to link to online family albums or videos.
6. Regular Updates: An ancestry wall is a work in progress. As you discover more about your family’s history, update the wall accordingly. Encourage family members to contribute to its growth by sharing their findings and stories.
7. Share the Stories: As your ancestry wall takes shape, take the opportunity to share the stories and history with your family members. Host gatherings or family reunions to engage in discussions about your shared heritage.

Creating an ancestry wall in your home is an enriching experience that celebrates the legacy of your family and provides a sense of connection to your roots. It’s a testament to the lives lived and the paths taken by those who came before you. By embracing and preserving your family’s history, you pave the way for a stronger, more connected future. So, take that first step and start building your ancestry wall today.