How To Digitally Preserve Letters, Photos, and Recipes for Generations to Come
In a world where our most precious memories live on fading paper or easily-shattered phones, preserving family treasures like handwritten letters, recipe cards, and old photos has never been more important. Unlike physical heirlooms tucked away in the attic or garage, digital heirlooms allows future generations to access these gems with just a click.
That said, going digital isn’t as simple as just snapping a picture; files can vanish into the digital void (more commonly known as the cloud) without the right approach. But fret not: Here are eight ways to safeguard your family’s legacy so it survives the test of time.
1. Scan Carefully
When it comes to digitizing images, it’s best to use a flatbed scanner for letters and photos to capture them in high resolution. Snapping a pic with your phone might be quick and easy, but it won’t have the same quality and feel. Save files in both JPEG (for easy sharing) and TIFF or PNG (for higher quality). Store the originals in acid-free sleeves to prevent decay, and label digital files clearly (e.g., “Grandma_Letter_1982”). For recipes written in fading ink, scan and save the digital versions ASAP.
2. Enable Cloud Backups
While services like Google Drive or iCloud are easy and convenient to use, they shouldn’t be your only source of backup. To avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, consider using multiple platforms like Dropbox or OneDrive in case one service fails. Enable automatic sync so updates aren’t missed, and organize files into folders to help keep things organized. Remember: Clouds can vanish (RIP, Yahoo Photos), so it’s wise to always have a physical backup to go alongside your digital archives.
3. Use External Hard Drives
An external drive is akin to a digital safety box, so be sure to choose one that’s sturdy and encrypted. Opt for a reputable brand like Western Digital or LaCie (skip the bargain-bin models) and store it in a safe place. Be sure to set a yearly reminder to update all software and settings, and for extra security, consider keeping two drives and updating both in tandem.
4. Print a Physical Backup
As mentioned above, technology can fail, but paper can last for centuries if properly cared for. To create a physical backup on top of your digital versions, print high-quality copies of family photos or letters on archival paper (avoid regular printer paper as it can yellow over time). Store them in a climate-controlled space away from sunlight, or consider a bound book for recipes.
5. Turn Memories Into Shareable Stories
A photo or letter by itself can lose context over time. To keep family mementos intact, use apps like Shutterfly to pair scans with captions, voice recordings, or family anecdotes. For recipes, document the story behind them (“Aunt Linda’s famous pecan pie, made every Thanksgiving since 1978”). This way, your future family can feel like they were part of the festivities, too.
6. Transcribe Old Letters
Faded cursive can become unreadable as ink smudges and paper becomes brittle or warps over time. Safeguard them by transcribing handwritten letters or recipes into typed text, while keeping the original scan alongside it. For an extra touch, record a family member reading the letter aloud so that future generations can hear and experience the emotion behind them.
7. Create a Dedicated Family Archive
If you’d like to keep all your family’s memories in a shared space, consider creating a digital album like a private Facebook group, a family tree on Ancestry.com, or even a password-protected blog so that anyone of your choosing can access it. Be sure to keep it up to date, and invite relatives or friends to contribute their own scans and stories. Consider including a guide on how to access the files, such as how to create a username and password.
8. Test Your Backups Regularly
If a file becomes corrupted, you won’t able able to access it. To make sure everything is working as it should, consider opening a sample of your scans on a new device to check their integrity every few months or so. Update file formats if needed and keep a master list of where everything is stored. Consider also sharing the backups with at least two trusted family members.