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ARTIAssist has arrived

Arti Unlimited and Professional members can use our new AI-boosted ARTIAssist to enhance their stories and memories with historical and factual details about the items they Artifct.
Exclusive articles, interviews, and insights covering downsizing & decluttering, genealogy, photos and other media, aging well, travel, and more. We’re here to help you capture the big little moments and stories to bring meaning and order to all of life’s collections and memories for generations.
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Your Future Family Heirlooms

What is a family heirloom other than some object that someone decided was important in some way and decided to keep it and pass it along to another family member. That’s it. For what it’s worth, Webster’s dictionary agrees with us – and it all hinges on the word “special.” 

: something of special value handed down from one generation to another

No one ever said family heirlooms have to be financially valuable or historically significant.  

A family member might have an inkling that an heirloom carries with it some history. But then again, even if so, how will you gain access to that history? Usually it’s a conversation, a sticky note, a journal that’s also hopefully passed along. We can do better. We need to do better. 

Artifcts and Heirlooms Go Hand-in-Hand 

Each Artifct you create carries the potential of heirloom status. How you may ask? Many ways, including: 

By creating awareness that this object even exists, or that it has some interesting origin or story, you increase the probability someone will care about it and claim it as their own. It’s no longer just ‘stuff.’  

One of our Artifcts members thought her china set was doomed for the Goodwill bin. However, when she Artifcted it and shared the story with her family, she had children and grandchildren eagerly offering to take it off her hands. Why? Because it wasn't simply a china set that she had received as a wedding gift as long assumed. No, it was a set she purchased while stationed overseas in sub-Saharan Africa as a newlywed under instruction from the US Ambassador that, "Martha, you need a china set for 12 because you are going to start hosting diplomatic dinners." Who would have thought!

Because it wasn't simply a china set that she had received as a wedding gift as long assumed

By serving as a unique digital asset, a digital heirloom. Someday, your loved ones can inherit your Artifcts collection and the stories, memories, and more captured in each Artifct will live on. If you haven't already done so, simply designate your primary and secondary legacy contacts for your Artifcts account to ensure your heirlooms live on for generations to come. 

By creating new family heirlooms from existing ones. One of the earliest examples of this that we saw here at Artifcts was Grandmom's rolls recipe from the early 1900s that was reborn and brought out for everyday enjoyment when engraved in her mother's handwriting on a cutting board.  

One of our favorite tips for Artifcting future family heirlooms is to include a photo of a family member using, wearing, or otherwise enjoying the heirloom-to-be. It helps connect the dots between the object and your loved one, and adds context and visuals to the story or lore. 

What family heirlooms are you the keeper of? Do you have many? Artifct them today to ensure those heirlooms and their stories make it to the next generation. 

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Heirlooms on your mind? You might enjoy these related ARTIcles by Artifcts: 

Gift Your Loved Ones a Why

Estate Planning of Things

How to Artifct Family History and Heirlooms

Grandma’s Secret, Not-So-Secret, Coin Collection

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

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Family History Month ... Your Way!

We’ve all heard the expression “greeting card holiday,” sometimes even used against one of your personal favorites. So many love-hate relationships out there with national days for everything from your dog to your sibling to coffee and doughnuts.  

Then there are the months generally preserved for themes of broad societal significance, like heart health, black history, hispanic heritage, and even family history. Hello October, and hello Family History Month!

This October we’re sharing a few ideas from the Artifcts Community to help even those of you who may think you have no interest in family history to find some value in a month dedicated to exactly that. Use the month as an excuse or opportunity to get to know and capture your own family history and legacy a bit better.

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Hello, Family Genealogists (And Those In the Making)

An Artifcts community member once lamented to us, “I’ve spent so much time and money researching all of this history, and I have the files, but I really haven’t taken that next step to share with my extended or even immediate family. Without me they’d have to start over.”  

And then she told us that all her research is locked up behind a subscription-paywall. Hmmm. If you can relate, here are some tips to help ensure your family history is not lost to the next generation: 

  • Purchase a second research subscription for someone who can pick up the research alongside you to carry it forward to the next generation. Guide them through the myriad of resources online and through special archives and libraries as well as in your own family collection. If you have a tech-savvy grandchild in the family, this may be the perfect way to spur intergenerational connection AND keep the family history/research going. 
  • Take a class or catch a speaker! You can find a plethora of them by searching online or go local. Check your library, community center, museums, or local genealogical society for special events this month (and beyond). Confernce Keeper has a wonderful listing of genealogy related conferences and events, a lot of them for free too. Share what you learn with your family and friends. 
  • Create a family videography to highlight key moments in your family’s history, roles family members have played in historical events, and the modern-day family branches. For beautiful, professional videographies, we adore Lori and her team at Whole Story Productions.  
  • Self-publish a book(let) to document your research findings in black and white. Distribute during a family reunion, taking preorders (and payments) ahead of time. If you need an assist in your family history, we recommend our partner at Legacy Tree Genealogists
  • At Artifcts you can share the family history behind old photos, cherished heirlooms, even Grandma's china! Your family members need not be Artifcts members to view the Artifcts you share with them. Want to make sharing your Artifcts with your family even easier? Create family invite-only circles for easy group sharing, and off you go! We recommend using a special tag like #NickersonFamilyAssociation to easily sort your collection. Some of genealogists at Artifcts also use the ‘Location’ field when they create an Artifct to list a URL or folder path where additional information is stored. 

Memorable Family Dinners, Recipes, and More

You’ve been away from home for months or years, you return, and as you walk in the door, dinner is on, and you get that first smell of your favorite dish. Do you have the recipe? Who came up with it? Do you know the key steps? Special or secret ingredients?  

Some family favorites are born directly out of the original farm-to-table concept, before it was so hip, and those origins become a key part of the family recipe story. You grew potatoes and found a million ways to prepare them. You had fresh citrus, wild asparagus, or vibrant rhubarb all around you, and the specialties of your youth reflect it. Capture that history! 

  • Start a virtual family dinner club. You could create a group online to swap recipes or go a step further and once a month someone is the virtual host. Send the recipe ahead (as an Artifct!) so everyone has the ingredients on hand. Then run your own cooking show and enjoy the meal together after. 
  • Collaborate on a special family recipe cookbook. Ask each member of your family to contribute their favorite recipe AND the story behind it. How did it come into your family? Are there any secret ingredients? Who made or makes it best?  Create a cookbook that builds all the family history and the stories that go with those recipes. You’d be surprised, but even one generation removed, family members will start to lose track of the details never mind the actual ingredients or instructions. 
  • At Artifcts recipes, cookbooks, and treasured kitchen objects come alive through stories and histories, but also with supplementary video and audio snippets. Artifct your favorite recipes, add a video snippet of a crucial step, and share with your family. Our co-founder Heather Artifcted her mother's cranberry sauce AND included a video to show her teenage daughter how to know when you've got a good batch of cranberries. 

Share the History

The reality is not all families have a family keeper, that person who by choice or default holds onto the heirlooms, photos, recipes, and slew of documents that represent generations of a family’s history. Or maybe you are the last keeper or recent inheritor of all this family history and are thinking, “Now what? I really don’t want this stuff.” 

There’s a second reality that is important to recognize: family history is not only family history. Sometimes family history is part of local, national, or even global history. It offers clues to key figures, ways of living, and the social, political, and religious practices of a place in time. So, consider sharing pieces of your family history with the world through donations. 

  • Philanthropic donations. Consider galleries, libraries, research centers, foundations, and museums with specialties that may overlap with your items. Donations are not necessarily only in the realm of inherently valuable objects. Often, you guessed it, the story behind the object is the key. Don’t know the story either? That’s okay. Reach out to an institution, share your items, and give them the opportunity to tell you!  
  • Archival donations. Transform your personal family history into elements of a shared community history by offering your items to professional archives. What types of items might fit this category? As a starter: original works of fiction or non-fiction; scrapbooks, journals, letters, and diaries; original business materials (certificates, advertising, shares, board documents, voting records); media (photographs, slides, film, even websites too). You can learn more at the Society of American Archivists
  • At Artifcts, before you donate, Artifct the items to retain the family lore and history that’s relevant to you, and then share with family. Make sure no one else is interested in the item before you donate it, and attach any documentation related to your donation to the Aritfct. You can then rest easy knowing your family’s history will be in the capable professional hands of institutions that will preserve and protect them for generations to come. 

Let's Talk Wills and Legacy

Hear us out. Wills may be about death, but they are also all about easing the burden on those we leave behind. We all too frequently ignore the items we've collected over time. And, no, they will not sort themselves into piles to sell, donate, or bequeath. First someone must go through it all, a family member or two, or maybe a specialist hired to help. And in the end, someone will have to make 1000s of decisions about what becomes of every single item. Do you really want to leave a burden as your legacy? 

Wouldn’t you rather everyone be better prepared and informed? Not only will making a plan and creating documents make it easier for your family to pick up the pieces, but they can also help loved ones understand why you valued the items you are leaving behind. We've got some tips to help:

(Dramatically) Simplified checklist: 

  • Don’t have a Will? There are many wonderful estate planning attorneys in each community who can help you with this process. But this is an industry transformed by the digital revolution, and then some. If you are looking for a digital, self-guided approach, check out our fellow AARP AgeTech Collaborative partners at Trust & Will.   
  • Haven’t really seen your Will in a while? Give it a checkup. There's no time like the present. Add it to your to-do list this month! 
  • Confirm: Are the major themes covered?  
        • Estate 
        • Minor children 
        • Relatives with disabilities 
        • Retirement 
        • Powers of Attorney 
        • Living Will 
        • Stewardship of digital assets (profiles, accounts, photos, web pages, etc.) 
  • Is there a list of tangible assets referenced in your Will? Your Will may provide for a separate “Memorandum” that can be updated and changed at any time without making any changes to your Will.  
        • No list? Start. Just take a first cut by looking around the house (or your Artifcts collection!). 
        • Already have a list? Double check that it covers at least those items of greatest financial or heart (sentimental) value. 
  • At Artifcts, pick three or four of your most treasured items to Artifct and let your loved ones know why each item matters to you. Use the "In the Future" field to think through and record what you would like to happen to this item one day. Will it be passed down? Rehomed? Sold? Consider sharing the Artifct with your estate planner or attorney to list with other tangible assets referenced in your Will.   

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Artifcting Starter Resources 

We have all sorts of helpful resources that we want to be sure you know about to take the pressure off and let the fun begin: 

Inspiration Checklists

Videos on YouTube

Artifcting Quick Tips

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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My Photos, My Memories

Feeling overwhelmed by your ever-increasing digital photo collection? Not sure what to do with the boxes and boxes of physical photos you’ve either collected or inherited over the years?  

Chances are you are not alone. We take photos to capture a memory or moment in time. We keep photos not because of the actual photo (except in rare circumstances) but because of the memories and emotions they evoke.  

This leaves most of us with an ever-growing collection of photos, some of which take up valuable space in our homes, and others that take up valuable space on our devices. It also leaves us with a lot of snapshots in time, but very few documented memories, stories, and the like for our loved ones.  

As we wrap up Save Your Photos Month, we’d like to propose a challenge—over the next five days, pick a photo a day and Artifct it along with the story, memory, and maybe even the reason WHY you love that photo.  

Over the next five days, pick a photo a day and Artifct it along with the story, memory, and maybe even the reason WHY you love that photo

You don’t need to have a paid Artifcts account to take part in this challenge—anyone, anywhere can join. Sign up for free today and get Artifcting! We all have photos and memories worth preserving. 

You also don’t need to overthink it. Five photos. Five stories. Five pieces of you that are now documented and preserved for generations to come.  

After looking at her own post-move mess of photos, frames, boxes, and a soon-to-be collection of 15,000 digital photos, our co-founder Heather decided to give it a go. Her photos, her memories.  

My Favorite Childhood Photo 

This photo has survived more moves than I can count. It’s one of my favorite childhood photos—I have no recollection of the moment, but it always makes me smile.  

 

Dad & Me. Age 3. Click to view the Artifct. 

I can feel the late Fall sunlight, smell the salt air, and remember the stone step to my childhood home, Briar Bog Farm. My father’s LL Bean flannel shirts, and my purple overalls. I always wore those overalls. Purple was my favorite color after all.  

I shared this Artifct with my daughter and her first response (via text) was, “OMG we look so much alike!” Her second response was, “I didn’t know you liked purple.” And her third, “Did I have a pair of purple overalls when I was younger?” Before I could answer I got the “GTG don’t want to be late for class.” One photo shared, one memory saved, and a new story made. 

You Surfed?!? 

Yes, I surfed. Way back when you could still barter blueberry muffins for a surf lesson or two and a ride out to Cisco Beach in a beat-up Ford van.  

 

Surfing and surfboard photos. Click to view the Artifct

It was the summer between my sophomore and junior years in college. I was working three jobs (bar tending, tutoring, and nannying) but it did not matter. I lived to surf. Any and every free moment was spent on the beach, surfboard in tow. I would (and often did) gladly sacrifice sleep for surfing.  

I smile every time I see these photos. They are a snapshot in time of a crazy, wonderful, totally unexpectedly perfect summer.  

And Miles to Go Before I Sleep 

This is one of the few photos I have printed and framed over the past ten years. My daughter and dear spouse have even asked on occassion when I was planning to replace the stock photo that came with the frame for a “real” photo. 

Sorry to disappoint, but this is the “real” photo. It’s one my favorite spots in the White Mountains, a boardwalk passage across a high-altitude swamp along the Zealand Falls Trail. 

 

And Miles to Go Before I Sleep. Click to view Artifct

Growing up, Robert Frost’s poetry was a constant companion. Whether out for a walk or repairing the paddock fences, there was always a quote or two at hand. Whereas some children are drilled in their ABCs and 123s, I was drilled in verses of one of New England’s most celebrated poets.  

I printed and framed this photo because (1) I love the majestic beauty of the White Mountains, and (2) it is a constant reminder that I have “miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” It’s my little reminder to myself that like any good hiking trail, life is best taken one step at a time.  

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun 

This is a private Artifct, and for good reason! The stories, the memories, and the laughs. Always the laughs.  

 

Go Caps! Sorry, this Artifct is private. 

The photo though is one of my all-time favorites. I framed it the moment I got it, and that framed photo has graced every desk I’ve had since, pre-COVID and post-COVID. My daughter recently took a good look at it while helping me unpack and said, “Wow, you and Aunt G still look exactly the same!” That in and of itself made me smile.  

She then wanted to know the story behind the photo, hence one of my newest Artifcts. She knew it was me and Aunt G in the photo, but she didn’t know the story or even where the photo was taken. Small moments create bigger memories. 

Marry Me?  

This too is going to remain a private Artifct, but the photo is worth a thousand words. And yes, there are a thousand-plus words in the Artifct to back it up.  

Do you have one of those photos that makes you smile every time you see it? That it puts you in a good move no matter what? That’s what this photo does for me.  

 

Marry Me? Sorry, this Artifct is private.

It was taken the afternoon my now-husband proposed. We were in Telluride for the Blue Grass Festival. He proposed earlier that morning while out on a hike. I was so surprised it took me a moment to answer.  

After I said yes, he wanted to know what I thought he was going to ask. I told him, “I thought you were going to ask if I was hungry and if I wanted pizza!” Well, this photo was taken post-hike and post-pizza, right before we settled into our spots for another night of amazing bluegrass music with the San Juan Mountains as our backdrop.  

Like my favorite childhood photo, I can still feel the sunlight hit my face every time I look at this photo.  

Your Turn! 

Which five photos will you choose to Artifct this week? What five stories will you tell, what five memories will you share?  

Remember, don’t over think it. If you’re not sure where to start, look at your framed photos. Chances are they are framed for a reason! Still stuck for inspiration? Check out our Rescue Those Photos! checklist for some ideas to help you get started.  You can also check out our tips on How-To Artifct That Photo

Remember, photos can’t talk, but you can. Start telling your story today. 

 

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Artifcts Rolls Out Its First AI-Supported Feature: ARTIAssist

Artifcts is thrilled to announce the beta (aka test) launch of its AI-supported product suite ARTIAssist, now available to Arti Unlimited and Artifcts Professionals (ARTIPro) members. Before we tell you all about it, it’s important to give you some background as to how we got here. 

Early into this explosion of all things of AI, we attended a conference where a company was proudly showing off how it spent their investors’ dollars to create a “storytelling playground.” You could tell the chat tool about something that happened, and it would expound on that into a paragraphs long story.

We found it somewhere between out of touch and devoid of personal connection. We promised our Artifcts community we would not inflict this AI future on them.

What that company and so many others seem to overlook is the uniqueness of the human, of the individual, and their experiences and memories. In the words of our technical advisor, “AI gives you the most likely answer, not necessary the right answer.”  

Artifcts is taking advantage of technological evolution and advancements to preserve the human aspects, not just what AI can do. You can train an AI “agent,” but emotions are unique and personalized – that requires letting people preserve their memories. AI misses the uniqueness of a human, MY memory.  

Our value proposition is unique – Artifcts will be the anchor to authenticity, allowing human interactions to be preserved. No gimmicks.

So, with no further ado, read on to learn about our newest product, ARTIAssist. 

Meet ARTIAssist 

More than two years ago, we gave you a sneak peek into our plans for creating ARTIAssist. ARTIAssist describes our comprehensive tools developed by Artifcts that use artificial intelligence, image recognition, and natural language processing to help deliver ready-to-use descriptions, historical details, value estimates, and more to you!  
  
The first tool in the ARTIAssist suite is designed to support you as you create or edit an Artifct. You can activate ARTIAssist and behold a world of similar objects to your own, interesting details about the item, and even potential financial value.  

In the words of one our early testers, “Not everybody can meet with an appraiser, art historian, or be a guest of the "Antique Roadshow" on PBS. And while intrinsic "value" may be in the eye of the beholder, if someone has pieces (or collections) that are of significant value, the insights gained through ARTIAssist really helps in keeping these items in the family for generations.” 

Artifcts members can also use ARTIAssist to ask questions about an object. And, in a click, add the responses directly to your Artifct to enhance your personal story and memory as well as the provenance of your item. 

That last point is key - “to enhance your personal story and memory.” ARTIAssist does not replace you in the Artifct. And you cannot blindly trust what AI says. Look carefully at the details and make sure it provides information truly relevant to your specific item.

How will ARTIAssist help you?

ARTIAssist offers three major benefits: 

      1. Save you time – no more hopping from Google Lens to ChatGPT to auction sites and online marketplaces to learn about an object. 
      2. Know more about what you own – what is it, who designed it, how was it used and by whom, does it come in other colors and materials, etc. 
      3. Support for deciding “what’s next” – with more insights on the potential financial value in the current marketplace, understanding what it means to you versus the world, and learning of ways you could sell, donate, or upcycle it, you can make a better informed decision for what’s next for it. And document your decision in your Artifct!

So much of what people choose to Artifct is a mix of valuable items and items with intense sentimental value. Which one is worth more? It doesn't always matter. Just as long as it's been documented at Artifcts.

We have an open door!

Have feedback on this new beta feature? Is there a feature driving you a bit crazy or confusing you in any way? You can write us a Support@Artifcts.com. And be sure to catch up on past product updates, too!

button to jump to past product updates with Artifcts

Happy Artifcting!

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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What’s Hiding Under Your Bed?

Pivot with us as we take a hard look at our bedrooms this month in our ongoing, “Around the House, With Artifcts” series. Is your bedroom your favorite space? The one you decorate with keepsakes, fun photos, and travel souvenirs?  

Or, is your bedroom a dumping ground of all the things you meant to put away but somehow never did?  Maybe it is somewhere in between? Filled with the items you love, and the stories and memories they evoke, with just enough clutter to make you shake your head and say, “not today.” 

Bedrooms weren’t always private spaces or even reflections of our personal identity. For most of history, shared beds and living spaces were common, but increasing urbanization and the influence of the Victorian era promoted privacy, according to the BBC. The Industrial Revolution enabled more people to have private rooms, a trend that continued with the post-World War II suburban boom which solidified the modern, personal bedroom as a standard part of life.  

So, where does that leave us? With the question that started this all, “What’s Hiding Under Your Bed?” And the close second, “What are you going to do with it?” Read on to get our tips for managing the clutter, while preserving the stories and memories that undoubtedly fill one of the most personal spaces in our homes.  

It Has Value, Either Heart Value or Financial Value 

One of our Artifcts members shared with us that as they were getting ready to move, they discovered a trove of silk-on-silk oriental rugs stashed under their bed. The rugs had been there “for years and years,” and had accumulated a good coating of dust.  

As our member said, “The irony is that we had spent several thousands of dollars purchasing area rugs for our home over the years when we had perfectly good, beautiful rugs waiting for their turn to shine.”  

We recognize that not everyone has a collection of oriental rugs stashed under their bed, but maybe you have something that has similar heart value or financial value. We’ve heard stories over the years of families finding long-forgotten artwork and antique maps, bins of greeting cards and letters, and more safely stashed away, yep, under the bed!  

If you have items of value hiding under your bed, we encourage you to take a moment this weekend and Artifct them. Include a short story or favorite memory, dimensions (if applicable), and attach any documentation (if available) that demonstrates the value to you.  

As for the oriental rugs, it turns out they finally got their turn to shine. Our member was proud to report that after Artifcting the rugs, he decided to display one as a wall-hanging for all to see. Not a bad find (or story!)  

 

Oriental carpet now ArtifctedArtifcts member @Matt Artifcted this carpet after discovering it under the bed. 

It’s Just “Stuff” 

Our co-founder @Heather likes to joke that if you look under her bed, chances are you are going to find a healthy dose of golden retriever fur (it never ends!) and stacks of paper, mail, and other odds and ends that she stuffed under there the last time she had company coming over. Relatable, no? 

If you’re dealing with more clutter than not hiding under your bed, take a moment this weekend to sort through what is what and then act. 

  • What needs to be filed away for safe keeping (or tax planning)? In the file cabinet it goes, or if you use a digital vault like Trustworthy, scan the documents, upload them to your vault, and then shred the physical copies.
  • What needs to be put away where it goes? Kid toys, pet toys, maybe even laundry (hello missing sock!).  
  • What can be recycled or trashed? Our list of 108 Object to Declutter from Your Home can help! 

Chances are you are now going to be left with the “stuff” that gives you pause. These items may be important to you, but they may not fit into one of the above categories, and that’s okay.  

If you are on the fence about parting with the item because you are worried about losing the memory or story behind it, take a moment to Artifct it, and then give yourself permission to let go of the item guilt-free knowing the memory and story are safely stored in Artifcts. 

If you are on the fence about parting with the item because you are worried about losing the memory or story behind it, take a moment to Artifct it...

If you aren’t ready to part with the item, set it aside in a bin or basket and come back to it later. Just don't put it back under the bed as out of sight is out of mind! Maybe a little time is all it takes to help you decide what to do with it.   

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Looking for additional tips to help you declutter regardless of which room it is? You might also enjoy:

How to Get Your Kids to Help Clear Out the Clutter 

Aspirational Clutter and Your Closets

Home Organizing Tips to Steal from Movers and Downsizers

© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Photos + Timelines Go Better Together

Love photos? You’re not alone! What’s not to love about the memories, smiles, and special firsts all frozen in time for a moment.  

With the ever-increasing ease of digital photography (hello smartphones!) we can capture all those moments and more. In fact, we capture a lot more. Worldwide, we take on average 5 BILLION photos a day, or approximately 57,000 photos per second. According to Photutorial, the average American alone takes 20 photos a day. 

What do you do with all the digital photos that accumulate at an ever-increasing speed?   

Do you post them to social media and wait for the comments and likes to roll in? (Our resident privacy expert recommends that you don't.) Or push them into whatever cloud or other storage device you prefer, and look back through them only for the occasional calendar, school project, or holiday card? Perhaps you send a few to lucky friends and family through one of those digital picture frames, like Aura 

We’d like to suggest a different approach—Artifct those special photos, the ones that capture something unique, memorable, or otherwise notable. What is more, when you Artifct them, they are automatically added to your Artifcts timeline, instantly creating a contextual history of all things you.  

Put Photo Timelines to Work for You! 

As you Artifct your photos, Artifcts creates your photo timeline automatically. Simply pick a photo, create a new Artifct, add a short story, a date (if known), save, and you’re done. Your Artifct will automatically be added to your timeline based on the date you entered.  

 

A snapshot in time of our co-founder Heather's photo timeline. 

Not sure of the date? We’ve got you covered. Your Artifct will be added to your timeline based on the date you created it; you can always go back later and edit should you remember the date or even the decade.  

Assuming you have created a few Artifcts already, you will find your timeline by  visiting your homepage  and choosing "My Artifcts." You'll see the timeline option marked with a yellow "New!" Want to view just your Artifcted photos on your timeline? Simply select Life's Moments > Photographs as the category while in timeline view and voilà! Your very own personal photo timeline. 

As you explore Artifcts timelines and think about your family photo history, test out the built-in timeline features, because you never know what may inspire you: 

  • Switch between annual and decade views. 
  • Flip your Artifcts from newest-to-oldest and oldest-to-newest. 
  • Drag and drop to move any Artifct to a different year. 
  • Add time period notes, per year, about key events, trips, or other firsts. 

Feeling overwhelmed with so many photos and not sure where to start? As part of Save Your Photos Month, we recommend you give yourself a goal. Pick a photo a day, or one a week. Spend five minutes creating and sharing the Artifcted photo with loved ones.  

We recommend you give yourself a goal. Pick a photo a day, or one a week...

Just think, if you Artifcted a photo a day for a month, you’d have 30 photos and stories that are preserved for generations to come. Bonus! You’d also have a timeline spanning 30 {days, weeks, months, years!}. All that context, and all those memories, safely documented to protect against all of life’s what ifs.  

Want to learn more? We have great  FAQs  about timelines and  a quick video  ready for you as well. 

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Our good friends and partners at The Photo Managers are once again hosting free virtual events all month long in honor of Save Your Photos Month. Click here to learn more and to register. 

© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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How to Artifct with Grandma and Grandpa

For many of us, summertime means time with extended family, maybe even “sleepaways” with Grandma and Grandpa. We should all be so lucky!

In the spirit of quality time together at any time of the year, we sat down this summer to interview a granddaughter-grandmother duo who have spent occasional Saturdays throughout the past couple of years Artifcting together. We wanted to learn why they took up Artifcting and any tips they have for other intergenerational pairs who plan to connect with each other through Artifcts.

In case you’re short on time, here was what they each wanted to be sure you knew: 

Granddaughter: I never spent time one on one with my grandma. We see each other a lot, she only lives 45 minutes away, but all of our gatherings involve my siblings and/or at least one of my parents, too. Plus, I was going away to college soon and knew I wouldn’t see her much for a while. 

Artifcts is easy to use, easy to share, which was critical. I knew my dad would love the Artifcts, too. He’s a big storyteller. The biggest surprise about Artifcting was that it totally changed how I think of my grandma, and I feel closer to her than ever.  

It was never a chore. I wanted to be with her. 

Grandma: No one can sit still these days, never mind exist without their cell phone.  

My granddaughter is funny and an artist, too. I’m always interested in what she’s doing. I didn’t think she was interested in my stories from the old days. But once I told her a story or two from living abroad in my 20s, she kept coming back to ask for more stories.  

It wasn’t my plan, but I started to give away items I had collected, too. Not just to her. I had her bring items to others because once I told the story, I knew who would enjoy it and would give it a good home. And you know what? Not once did they say to her that they didn’t want it. They loved the stories! 

You may also be interested in our ARTIcles by Artifcts about Swedish death cleaning

 
 
 
We're honored to participate once again in Grandparents Week - the largest online celebration and educational event for grandparents of its kind. Hosted by our partner, GrandparentsAcademy.com, this event showcases leading experts and resources for grandparents. Artifcts will be spotlighted in the GrandTech Showcase and delivering a walkthrough on how grandparents can use our solution to capture and share meaningful stories from their stuff.'

Tips for Artifcting with Your Grandparents

Above all else, don’t let the age difference get in the way. Fun fact: A 2006 study by researchers from Duke University and the University of Aarhus found that older respondents feel 20% younger than their actual age. So your grandparents may very well respond to you as though they are much younger than they are! 

But as far as true age goes, be mindful of how your respective ages might require a breath or two to (a) break down any awkwardness, (b) explain the purpose and process of Artifcts, and (c) find the right pace for your Artifcting together. Here are tips other grandchildren offered from their Artifcting experiences: 

1. Be ready. Create a few Artifcts for yourself before arriving.  

Use whatever device you plan to use when Artifcting with your grandma/grandpa to avoid any stress or delays in the process. (Artifcts note: We have a series of tips videos, too, if needed.) And if they want to Artifct on their own, share one of your unlimited Artifcts accounts with them and help them set it up.

Bring an Artifct That! Kit with you so you are not asking them for these supplies to support your Artifcting, and review our tips for taking photos of objects.

Also, if you know they plan to move or downsize, help them out by adding dimensions to their Artifcts, using helpful tags (e.g., #attic, #livingroom, #hallcloset), and filling in that ‘In the Future’ field too – does Grandpa want to sell this item, donate it, bequeath it?

2. Explain yourself! Share what Artifcts is, why you want to Artifct together, and how it will help them to share the memories and value behind all these objects with other family, friends, and potentially advisors (estate attorneys, insurance agents, wealth managers). 

3. Again, they may be older, but they were young once, too. One granddaughter said she felt like her grandma was a 20-year-old person in an 81-year-old body. Once they started to talk, the decades between them melted away. Talk with respect, listen with still greater respect, and remember they were your age once, too! 

4. Breaks are good for everyone. If you are creating Artifct after Artifct for grandma/grandpa, you’ll want a break. Eventually they will, too. It's hard to be “on” for so long and you’ll need to stretch your legs. Go for a walk, grab a coffee, or call it a day and come back again sometime soon. 

5. Hold those assumptions. Just because that portrait or vase has always been featured in a seemingly special location in their home doesn’t mean it’s what they value most. Start by asking about an object you are interested in. Then ask them to pick an item and see where it leads you both. 

6. Make sure they know you truly do want their stories. This is not homework. No one sent you. You are curious. Now, in reality, there may be details they aren’t comfortable sharing with you, and that’s okay. Avoid rushing them, embrace pauses, and let them take the lead. 

7. Ask first. Before you grab an object or take a picture, especially if they are in the picture, ask their permission so it’s clear this collaboration is on their own terms. Maybe they are more comfortable recording using their voice only instead of on video. Or maybe Grandma got all dolled up and is ready for her spotlight. Be respectful of their space and their person and ask first.  

8. Don’t argue. You may have heard the story told another way by your parents or another family member. Think of it as a difference of perspective. Record it faithfully. This may make for some fun conversation the next time the whole family is around the table as you parse through tall tales and family lore.

This is especially important if you are Artifcting with someone with any stage of cognitive decline. Let the conversation flow. Be an active, supportive listener, not a domineering guide. 

You may also be interested in these ARTIcles by Artifcts about dementia.

Tips for Artifcting with Your Grandkids

You didn’t think this was a one-way street, did you? Your grandkids may in fact have short attention spans and very narrow or different interests than your own. But this is your home, your life, so enjoy the element of surprise as you share never-before-heard stories that will capture their attention and imagination.

1. Gather a few objects in advance. If you have picked a few items you want to share, it will remove any hesitation to dive in once they arrive.  

2. Find a comfortable place. If you prefer to be in the living room, then guide them there from the get-go. Ideally your location has nice natural lighting so they can snap some nice pictures of the items and maybe even record you on video, too, if you’re game. 

3. Is anything off limits? Let them know if there are people or times of life you do not want to talk about. Conversely, if you want to talk about your parents, your career, your passion for {hobby}, let them know, and have photos, objects and other things on hand to guide the Artifcts conversation in that direction. 

4. Do you need any help with these objects? Perhaps you’ve decided to sell a collection, donate certain items, or pass keepsakes along to family members and friends. Make sure you note your intentions in each Artifcts’ ‘In the Future’ field. If your grandchild is of the appropriate age, maybe they can help get the ‘stuff’ where you want it to go next. If not, download your collection and choose the ‘Up Next Report’ to download and share with loved ones who can help you begin to downsize and/or declutter. 

5. Enjoy. Let them do the Artifcting, like your own very own biographer. That said, if you’d like to surprise loved ones with Artifcts after your grandchild has left, make sure they show you in the ins and outs of Artifcts so you feel comfortable Artifcting and sharing Artifcts from your own account and your own device.

Happy Artifcting!

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Meet Mercedes the Alpaca – She’ll Make You Smile

Hello Arti Community! 

It's Ellen here, co-founder of Artifcts. We emailed you all a few weeks ago when Heather and I first discovered Fracture and promised to reveal the rest of the story of our first experience printing photos to glass. More specifically, I shared that I had chosen a hilarious print for my first photo to glass purchase, and I hope this one does not disappoint.

I’ve never been a massive collector. Too much stuff stresses me out. (And it means more to dust!) 

But I’ve always been someone who likes to weave friends and family into my family’s home via artwork they’ve created, heirlooms I’ve inherited, or mementos from travels together. If those things include pops of color, even better. 

Well, about a month ago, a friend of mine who is on an epic 3-month RV road trip with her two dogs shared with me a story about Mercedes the alpaca. I was having a rough morning, so opening up her note to see Mercedes staring at me left me with no choice but to laugh. How could I not?

Photo: B Hardie.

Fast forward to wanting to choose that first photo on glass with Fracture and having a blank space on the wall in my master bathroom, I knew JUST the photo to choose. For anyone thinking it’s crazy to decorate a bathroom, I ask “Why?” How many times do you see in tv shows and movies characters standing in front of a bathroom mirror psyching themselves up for a big game or meeting? Any room in your house can be inspiring, even the bathroom.

And, really, look at Mercedes. She’s hilarious. And my friend’s story comparing herself to Mercedes makes this pic still funnier. I’ll see the pic, laugh, think of my friend, and prepare for my day. A triple win.

_______________

If you’ll indulge me just one more moment of your time, I want to share with you all that I’ll departing Artifcts at the end of this month. I’ll remain co-founder always and ardent Artifcter, too. But, as this is my final ARTIcles story for you all, I want to say thank you. Thank you for reading our blog, sharing your stories, and celebrating the growth of Artifcts with us. It’s been a joy to write for you, inspire you and be inspired by you, and swap Artifcts with you, too. (Never shared an Artifct with me? Please do! I’m @Egoody.)

I hope you find bursts of Mercedes-esque joy in your own lives every day. Let the ‘stuff’ you surround yourself with bring you happiness and connect you with all whom you love.

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Preparing With the End in Mind: A Conversation with Rachel Donnelly, Author & After Loss Professional

August is Make a Will month and although it is probably not a holiday (or month!) that we tend to celebrate, it's a topic that we should all address at some point or another. If you happen to be one of the nearly 12 percent of Americans on holiday this August and you're reading today's ARTIcles story, nothing says I love you like sinking your toes into the sand next to your partner and striking up a conversation about end of life planning. 

We invited Rachel Donnelly, founder of AfterLight, co-founder of Professionals of After Loss Services, and author of Late to Your Own Funeral: How To Leave A Legacy And Not A Logjam, to join us for a conversation about one of the few things that is gauranteed in life (in addition to taxes and aging). Read on for Rachel's practical advice, tips, and conversation starters. There truly is no time like the present to have the conversation we may all be putting off (and off). 

Heather Nickerson, Co-Founder of Artifcts: Rachel, you are an after loss consultant. I think "after loss" is clear for all, but can you illuminate what services you provide in this role?

Rachel Donnelly: Sure! As an after loss consultant, I help people navigate the logistical and administrative tasks that are unavoidable after the death of a loved one. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including organizing and closing accounts, coordinating and completing forms, locating and securing necessary documents, and managing estate clean-outs or disposing of tangible personal property, as well as working with attorneys, financial advisors, and other professionals. I’m essentially the project manager you didn’t know you’d need when someone dies, helping clients navigate challenges like being overwhelmed, missteps, and missed deadlines.

Nickerson: So not all your services are necessarily offered literally after someone dies, sometimes it's about preparedness for that eventual reality we'll all face?

Donnelly: Yes, and after working with hundreds of clients, I know the common blind spots that people overlook as part of their estate planning and organization. I can serve as their “personal trainer” for estate organization, acting as an accountability partner and coach before something happens. That might mean organizing estate documents and digital assets, inventorying their belongings, or making sure their executor isn’t left guessing. Think of it as doing your loved ones a huge favor in advance. It’s the “leave a legacy and not a logjam” approach.

Think of it as doing your loved ones a huge favor in advance. It’s the “leave a legacy and not a logjam” approach.

Nickerson: Who typically calls you in an after loss scenario? Is it the estate executor, aka next of kin, who really isn't sure what on earth to do now?

Donnelly: Yes. My client is usually the named executor, a surviving spouse, or an adult child who has just lost a parent. They're grieving and overwhelmed, confused about what to do first, and feel like they’re drowning in paperwork and tasks. That’s when I step in to bring order to the chaos.

Nickerson: What led you to take the leap from being the founder of your own after loss business at AfterLight to co-founding an organization to train others—Professionals of After Loss Services (PALS)?

Donnelly: What began as an informal networking group of women with businesses similar to mine has grown into the first and only dedicated community for after loss professionals. There is a significant need for professionals who are both trained and experienced in handling loss situations. While the field is growing quickly, there is still a gap in connection, consistency, and shared knowledge.

We created PALS to close that gap by building a network of trained, vetted professionals who understand the unique needs of clients after a loss. Our mission is to raise the standard of care while fostering a supportive community of pros who truly “get it.” We bring together people who are passionate about helping families navigate the administrative and logistical challenges of settling an estate while grieving. Whether you already serve families after a loss or are exploring how to begin, PALS is the place to learn, connect, and grow. As we like to say at PALS, a rising tide lifts all boats.

Nickerson: Among PALS-trained professionals, are there subspecialties? For example, do some professionals work more with widows or with families who have lost a child?

Donnelly: Yes, absolutely. While all PALS-trained professionals have a strong foundation in after loss logistics, many bring their own unique backgrounds to the table. Some focus more on grief support, others on estate organizing or clean-outs. We also have professionals who specialize in working with widows, the sandwich generation, or solo agers. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and that is what makes the network so valuable.

Nickerson: You also have “The checklist of death," not something most people probably hear on a daily basis. Where do you see the most mistakes made? What is most commonly overlooked? What are the first three steps someone should take in nearly any after loss scenario?

Donnelly: I love that phrase because it’s real. The biggest mistake I see is people jumping straight into tasks like cleaning out the house or closing accounts without understanding that there is often a specific order these steps should be followed according to the estate plan. Skipping that order or protocol can create significant problems later.

The biggest mistake I see is people jumping straight into tasks like cleaning out the house or closing accounts without understanding that there is often a specific order these steps should be followed according to the estate plan. 

Most commonly overlooked? Digital assets. People often forget about email, cloud accounts, subscriptions, and social media, which can hold financial, exchange, or sentimental value.

As for first steps, aside from the funeral or memorial:

      1. Secure the home and cars, and forward the mail.
      2. Locate the will, trust, and other important documents.
      3. Make a detailed list of what they owe and what they own, which will be crucial during the estate settlement process.

Nickerson: And last but not least, you are a published author. What’s the feedback been like on your new book? Are you hearing from readers about "ah ha" moments?

Donnelly: It’s been humbling and amazing. People tell me Late To Your Own Funeral: How To Leave A Legacy And Not A Logjam is the first book they’ve read on this topic that doesn’t make them feel like they’re reading a legal manual—or a eulogy. I’ve had so many people tell me they’ve given this to their aging parents, who would never even broach the subject with them, and now they’re meeting with attorneys and formalizing their estate planning documents. One woman said, “This made me laugh, cry, and then finally get my affairs in order.” That’s exactly what I was going for: clarity, empathy, and a little irreverence to make it all feel more doable.

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Interested in learning more about becoming a Professional of After Loss Services? Join Rachel and our co-founder Heather at the Professionals of After Loss Services Conference this October in Atlanta, GA. Click here for more details

© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to Your First Estate Sale 

Estate sales truly are about the thrill of the hunt for so many. The unique and unexpected finds, like that one cool item that's kind of kitsch and adds a pop of surprise to an otherwise sophisticated room. Or a fun element like an old brooch or cocktail ring paired with a nice outfit already in your closet. Other finds may be years and even decades in the making, alerts set for the item with every known estate sale, auction, and re-sell shop globally. 

If you’ve never been to an estate sale, you might feel a bit intimidated. You might feel like everyone knows the ins and outs, and you’ll be at a disadvantage both in terms of getting the items you are seeking and naming the right price.  

While there are practically “pro” estate sales shoppers out there in the world, most are curious folks out for some unexpected finds. Grab a friend and read our article to help ease you in and find joy in the hunt. You may even walk away with a story or two to share at your next party.

Finding an Estate Sale and Your “It” Item

Pop onto EstateSales.net, or your preferred estate sales website, to set a search radius (in miles) for how far from a location you’d like to be notified about upcoming estate sales. Some people like to stick close to home, and others love nothing more than a road trip for a great find. 

Then you can start browsing upcoming sales in a way that was not possible years ago. Why? Because now many estate sales are hybrid, showcasing a catalog of items that are auctioned online and other items that will be available only in-person the day of the sale. The online catalog is your “personal thrifting assistant,” according to Marika Clemow, Senior Vice President of Auction Technology Group, boosting your confidence and helping you scope your goals. 

While we’re all familiar with the expression, “Go big, or go home,” you might want to set that aside when it comes to estate sales and instead start small and focused. Set alerts and bookmark items of interest.  

Now, the “day of” experience. You’re lucky, because the most irksome of estate sales attributes is transforming – the line! Traditionally you had to show up hours before the sale, add your name to a list, and wait in line, creating stress for you, subjecting you to poor weather, and often irking the neighbors. But things are changing! Agents who run their sales through EstateSales.net can now allow you to reserve your spot in line and be notified when it’s your turn. It’s just like when you get on the waitlist at a restaurant. That’s a major victory for all. 

Once inside, what do you do? Very likely you make a beeline for the priority items you’ve scoped out online ahead of time. But if you’re just showing up unexpectedly or to be surprised, lovely, meander and enjoy.  

Unlike a museum, you’re encouraged to touch and inspect the items. And you’re certainly encouraged to ask questions. Whomever is working at the estate sale should be well versed in the provenance and backstories of interesting items. If you’re lucky, they’ve Artifcted them and you can simply scan the Artifcts QR code to learn more and take that story home with you.

Who’s Shopping Estate Sales?

Estate sales generally have a little something for everyone. We’re lumping buyers into four categories to give you a feel for the type of people you’ll encounter and how who is shopping can affect the mood and dynamic at a sale. 

The curious, #TreasureHunter. These shoppers enjoy the estate sale for the surprise finds and niche wins. It’s not about turning a profit. They are more inclined to negotiate, amicably browse, share their experience, and preserve stories, too. (Ahem, Artifct those finds!)

framed picture of Mary Duryee

Local history rescued by a discerning shopper! Artifcts member @ChristineVisser published an Artifct over the summer featuring a print of a famous local person picked up at an estate sale. CLICK THE IMAGE TO VIEW THE ARTIFCT.

Value seekers, #BudgetConscious. Thrifting means saving money on life essentials —e.g., clothes, tools, appliances, holiday decorations, furnishings and more—by choosing well-made and good condition secondhand items. The bonus with estate sales, of course, is the abundant variety, cataloged for easy browsing. Hard to say that about most in-person consignment stores never mind thrift stores! 

The curators and collectors, #CuratedNotCluttered. Still on the enjoyment and story side of the equation but with extensive research and knowledge and a very specific items or set of items on their target list. They will not deviate. They will look at the details to authenticate items. They will not be so inclined to negotiate with other buyers and will be prepared to drive a hard bargain with the sellers.  

The flippers and hustlers, #TurnAProfit. Check out Reddit and you’ll find an abundance of complaints about this type of shopper for everything from vinyl albums and games to sporting goods. They may “hoard” items so they can assess the resale value on the spot, frustrating other shoppers behind them in line. But beware – outside of exceptionally bad behavior, a sale is a sale is a sale.

Uniting these four types of estate sales shoppers? Unlike people who may exclusively take their search online through the likes of Everything but the House, estate sales enthusiasts still love the tactile world of retail. To see, touch, learn in objects’ native environments, with the opportunity to ask questions is part of the experience they seek.

Who are Estate Sales Agents?

It’s worth taking a moment to discuss the person behind the curtain, so to speak. Who are the estate sales agents behind the businesses running these sales? According to a 2024 survey by EstateSales.net, 68% of estate sales business owners are over the age of 55. They've moved on to their 2nd or 3rd careers and bring with them incredible life experience.

But a new generation of owners is coming on the scene, too. A generation prioritizing mission driven work and ideally work that supports a more sustainable, earth friendly future. If nothing else, estate sales are certainly all that.

We talk about re-homing items we Artifct all the time to avoid landfills and waste, like in our story, “Who Wants This Rocking Chair?” Estate sales support sustainability, providing the means to upcycle and recycle remainders as second and third lines of defense. And they are working! Check out trends in estate cleanouts that we covered in, “Insider’s Look at What It Means to Clean Out an Estate.”

Not Ready for an Estate Sale? Try Virtual Sales and Auctions

If you’re not ready or able to show up in-person at an estate sale, we understand. The same channels through which people re-sell “pre-loved” items in lieu of or sometimes in addition to estate sales can become your testing ground for setting up alerts for items of interest to you and only buying what you’re truly seeking.

Check out these in-person and online retailers where you can browse and set alerts for items of interest.

Listed in alphabetical order.

GENERAL HOME GOODS  

      • Auction Ninja, “The hunt starts here,” auctionninja.com  
      • Bidrush, "Local downsizing & estate online auctions,” go.bidrush.com 
      • Ebay, "Things. People. Love.," ebay.com 
      • EstateSales.net, “Find estate sales, tag sales, and auctions,” estatesales.net 
      • Etsy, "Global marketplace for unique and creative goods," etsy.com 
      • Facebook marketplace, buy and sell locally and nationwide, www.facebook.com/marketplace
      • LiveAuctioneers, "Let's go treasure hunting: auctions for one-of-a-kind art, antiques & luxury goods," liveauctioneers.com  
      • OfferUp, "The simpler way to buy and sell locally," offerup.com    
      • Whatnot, "The live shopping marketplace," whatnot.com

LUXURY AND OTHER HIGHER END GOODS AND COLLECTIBLES 

      • 1stDibs, "The most beautiful things on earth: Antique and modern furniture, jewelry, fashion, & art," 1stdibs.com 
      • Auction houses, such as Bonhams, Doyle, Heritage Auctions, and Nye & Company 
      • Chairish, www.chairish.com
      • Poshmark, "Buy, sell, and discover fashion, home decor, beauty, and more," poshmark.com  
      • The RealReal, "Where luxury is yours to define," therealreal.com 
      • Specialty antiques and collectibles dealers (too numerous to list - search online based on your item)

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Bring Your Family Tree to Life With Our Tips

You know the expression, "If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Well, we wonder, if you connect all the dots of your family history and no one knows about it, did it happen? 

Today's ARTIcles story is all about how we can share our family history so that the content and the message, aka stories, are actually received. To set the stage, we're sharing the inspiration for this article, a message from a woman we'll call Susan, who is a hobbyist genealogist, and who we think is not alone in her frustration. She reached out to us via Facebook Messenger back in March with a humourous headline: "True Story: My Family Refuses to Look at My Family Tree."

Here's a rough summary of what Susan had to say about her frustrations in trying to share family history with her relatives:

“My parents and siblings ask me for historical details about our family all the time.  

      • When was that again that they came over from France? And what part of France was it?  
      • Do you have a photo of Great Grandpa {last name}?  
      • Did we have any {bank robbers, poets, craftsmen, ... } in the family? 
      • Is the family burial plot in {city} the only family plot? 
      • Did anyone in our family serve in {name of war}? 

And I have come to realize I have no great way of sharing my findings with my family because they refuse to create accounts and sign into any of the genealogy software systems I use.

I’m in my late 50s and many of my siblings and in-laws are a lot older than me, so maybe technology is a factor. But I think it’s more that they simply want the answer, not what they see as the gory black and white details we genealogists love.

That said, even with the younger ones, the nieces and nephews, the second I flash a family tree or mention “Your great grandpa on your mother’s side… ,” they zone out.

That means I usually end up sending information by text message and email. But then they lose that quickly and it doesn’t get shared with everyone, so I have to repeat this work over and over again. It takes the joy out of it.

_________________

Better Options than Text, Email, or Intimidating Websites to Share Family History 

There are so many options available to help you share your family history discoveries, all those dots you’ve connected, black and white facts found, that will save your sanity and keep your family better connected with their history now and long into the future.  

Stick with links.* Share website links to directly relevant pieces of a family tree, photos, or documents that you might have in MyHeritage, Ancestry, FamilySearch or the like to prioritize your time and sanity. Like Susan, this is where you are comfortable operating. If they are truly interested, they can follow the simple steps to create an account. And there is usually a free option for them to do so. If that’s not the case, tell them the price and/or tell them how to sign up at a discount if you know there is a free trial period, a discount code available, or a sale coming up. Since you so kindly sent them a link, they won't have to dig - you'll guide them to exactly where the answer awaits.

Grant access to your cloud storage.* If you keep your research in a cloud-based system (like Google Drive, DropBox, Box etc.), give family members permission to view specific folders or bits of information that answer their questions, such as photos, documents, and maps. This simple approach is still better than losing things in email or text.

And please plan for the transfer of your digital genealogy assets upon death in your estate plan so all these family history treasures can be passed on to the next generation. 

* Remember that anyone can share a link but granting permission to access what that link leads to may require another step. So, with either of these first two options you may get others coming to you to request access to the same information because someone gave them the link. Hopefully the genealogy software or cloud solution you use automates that all to make it easy on you! 

Scan the photo or document, and Artifct That! There are many great app- and desktop-based options out there to scan a picture or document that you as the family keeper may be holding onto, such as the “Notes” app on many phones or the Photomyne subscription app. If you’d like assistance digitizing media, you can hire a professional photo manager, pop into a local shop that specializes in digitization and/or archival preservation, or check local libraries and genealogy centers for digitization resources, like the Vivid-Pix scan stations.

Scan those photos and docs and then do not let them get lost in text messages or 100s of photos back in a folder.

Artifct in the moment where you can then record the story and details and share with your loved ones before moving on to the next piece of the puzzle. But share where? You can ...

... Create Artifcts Circles. You can create as many Artifcts Circles, with as many people in them, as you like, for free. Think of circles like chat groups – anyone who accepts your invite can then share their Artifcts to the circle, too. You can even name another admin to add/remove people, too. People you invite need only to create a free Artifcts account to accept your Circle invitation and create and share up to five free Artifcts with the Circle, too!  

      • Sharing your stories and discoveries with Circle members means you are no longer the single point of failure or truth. Everyone will have access anytime, anywhere. But again, make sure in you've listed your primary and secondary legacy contacts in your Artifcts account settings so your Artifcts can live on. 
      • And you can crowdsource with Artifcts Circles, too. Have a gap you’re trying to fill in the tree? Wishing you had more family heirlooms, photos, or documents to back up your research? When people and estates are dispersed through time, it’s easy to forget who has what that may help to fill those gaps.  
      • Ask family to Artifct and share with the Circle. Yes, it may be more family lore than history or genealogy, but the lore is often equally as valuable to any facts you have collected. Lore is the character and color of the family history that has survived and can provide clues along your way – Artifct that! Get step-by-step details and inspiration for family circles here >

Have Fun Preserving and Swapping Stories

Next time you and your family get together, pick a theme in advance, and ask everyone to contribute to an Artifcts Circle.  

Among our favorites:  

      • Oldest family photo 
      • Favorite heirloom 
      • Secret/not-so-secret family recipe

Suggest everyone use the same tag for instant sorting of the Artifcts in the Circle to see just those created for this activity, e.g. #PicChallenge25, #Reunion25recipe.

Old family photo with all 13 kids and the parents

 
 
A rare family photo, with all 13 kids, preserved and shared with the rest of the Tirres family via Artifcts.

Happy Artifcting!

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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What's In Your Garage?

A couple of weeks ago, we introduced, four garage “personalities,” and a lot of our readers found themselves exclaiming, “Yes, that’s me!” when we described the Classic and the Whozits and Whatzits garages. One of our readers even reached out to our founders to ask if it was written about them. Sorry, it was not, it was based purely on research.  

For those of you that find yourself staring at a lot of ‘stuff’ every time you venture into your garage, this ARTIcles story is for you.  

What’s In Your Garage? 

When was the last time you took a hard look at what was in your garage? If you had to create a home inventory of the items stashed and stowed away for safe keeping or “someday,” could you? The fact is that our garages often end up being de facto storage units of last (or first!) resort.  

Over 60% of US adults surveyed by Craftsman feel their garage is the most cluttered space in their home, and more than half of the adults surveyed use their garage for DIY projects. While Pods.com found that most garages in the US contain on average $1,800 worth of tools alone! Not to mention countless other items, some of which may be financially valuable or have what we love to call heart value. 

Our co-founder Heather, who lacks a garage in Washington DC, ventured home this summer to uncover the treasures lurking in her father’s garage. Kayaks, canoes, paddles, personal flotation devices, power tools, old signs, a custom-made West Barnstable Table waiting for its next home, and even a car. A car, shocking, we know! 

When asked, Heather’s father said he’d “certainly know what the big things are, I’d know there were two kayaks and a canoe, and one car...would my insurance company believe I had a West Barnstable Table sitting in the garage, probably not.”  

As for the rest of the ‘stuff’ in her dad’s garage, that’s up for debate. Which is not at all what your insurance company wants to hear if you ever need to file a claim if faced with a house fire, flood, or other natural or manmade disaster. 

If you aren’t sure what exactly is in your garage, take a moment this week to create a quick inventory.  

  • Start with the big ‘stuff,’ kayaks and cars included; 
  • Work your way down to the smaller, less memorable items;  
  • Document anything that has financial or heart value.  

Artifcts is a great way to record the stories and values behind all those whozits and whatzits lurking in your garage. You can also use one of the many inventory apps that we featured in last week’s ARTIcles story if you really get on a roll.  

...And Is It Insured? 

Once you know what’s in your garage, take a moment to confirm with your insurance agent that it is in fact all covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.  

Homeowner’s insurance typically includes coverage for garages, whether attached or detached, as part of the dwelling policy. Coverage for detached garages is typically limited, however, to a percentage—e.g., 10 percent—of the dwelling’s coverage amount, which according to FEMA, may not be enough for valuable contents.  

Ask your agent about any additional riders recommended for particularly valuable items (antique cars, various collections, golf clubs, etc.) to ensure you don’t inadvertently end up with more ‘stuff’ than you have coverage for in your garage. Artifcts makes it easy to quickly and privately share the details of the items with your insurance agent via email or link. It’s a win-win for sure! 

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