Free Genealogy Resources and Other Tips from a Pro

Dear Reader, 

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sasso Piatto, destroyer of stuffies and Chief Happiness Officer here at Artifcts. I haven’t got much time as my Mum has stepped away from her laptop, and I know she’ll be back soon.  

Today’s topic? The importance of Artifcting ALL your life’s keepsakes because you never know what will happen next. Case in point, my cherished Mr. Moose.  

Mr. Moose was the love of my life (second only to bacon). We had been through thick and thin together. Mr. Moose was always up for adventures—mud puddle hopping, snow pile digging, and zoomies in the front yard. He was my constant companion, my snuggle buddy, and my best friend.  

And then, just yesterday, an unthinkable thing happened. My Mum got rid of Mr. Moose. One moment I was admiring my handy-work (who knew Mr. Moose had so much stuffing?) and then, gone! Into the trash. How could she?! 

Sure, he was well-loved (who doesn’t love a plush moose with squeaky antlers), but that doesn’t mean that it was time for him to go. My Mum claimed the stuffing was falling out of him (I think she needs new glasses) and that the squeaker was a choking hazard. As if! I swallow Milk Bones whole! Choking hazard, it was not.  

And the worst part is that she didn’t even pause long enough to let me ARTIFCT him. Not one photo. Not one solemn moment to stop and reflect on all the love and joy Mr. Moose has brought me over the years. Of all the people, of all the deeds. How could my Mum, the founder of Artifcts, TOSS MR. MOOSE OUT before I got to Artifct him? 

I beg you Dear Reader to take a moment today and Artifct That! It could be a favorite photo, a cherished piece of kid's art, or for the love of all, a favorite toy.  If you’re planning to declutter this spring (hello spring cleaning!) take a moment to Artifct those treasures before you (OR YOUR MUM) toss them out.  

Speaking of spring cleaning, I heard my Mum mumble something about re-homing the Everest sized pile of sticks I’ve accumulated outside the front door. For those of you not in the know, I’ve learned that “re-homing” really means removing. I’ve got to go! Time to Artifct my favorite sticks before they too disappear.  

Yours Truly, 

Sasso Piatto

PS. Happy April Fool’s Day! We hope today’s ARTIcles story from Sasso made you smile. You can  click here to view all of Sasso’s Artifcts  (written in his voice of course!).  

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© 2026 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Where were you in 1996? Take a moment and really think about it. 

Where were you living? What filled your days? What music was on repeat, and what did your favorite outfit look like? Maybe you were heading off to school in flannel and Doc Martens, building a career in your first real job, or chasing toddlers around the house. Maybe 1996 was loud and exciting—or quiet and uncertain. Either way, it was yours. 

Lately, there’s been a surge of nostalgia inviting us to revisit that specific year. But the truth is, it’s not really about 1996. It’s about something much bigger. 

It’s Not Just 1996—It’s Any Year 

Pick a year. Any year. 1996. 2006. 2016. Last summer. 

Every single one holds a version of you that no longer exists—someone shaped by the people, places, and moments of that time. And tucked inside those years are vivid snapshots: the song that instantly transports you back in time, the hat you wore until it fell apart, the photo you’ve kept in a drawer for decades. 

We all have these anchors, the objects and memories that pull us back to “way back when.” A concert t-shirt isn’t just a shirt. It’s the night you sang every word with your friends, the feeling of freedom, the version of yourself that felt invincible. 

A certificate, a ticket stub, a handwritten note—these aren’t just things. They’re evidence of a life fully lived, in moments both big and small. 

The Small Moments Matter More Than You Think 

It’s easy to assume that only major milestones deserve to be remembered—graduations, weddings, promotions. But what about everything in between? 

Our co-founder Heather recently came across a stash of photos from her high school days and her daughter was in awe. The clothes! The hair! The concerts! Heather had forgotten how she had spent the summer of '96 working two jobs and attending every Phish concert within driving distance of her childhood home. Funny, because that's just what her daughter wants to do this summer. 

Our co-Founder Heather & her friends tailgating before a Phish concert. Click the iamge to view the Artifct. 

The everyday moments are often the ones that define us most: 

• The summer you spent making friendship bracelets at camp
• The first apartment that barely had furniture but felt like independence
• The hobby you picked up on a whim that turned into a lifelong passion
• The concert t-shirt you wore so often it became part of your identity 

These moments may feel small at the time, but they’re rich with meaning. And over time, they become the stories we wish we had captured more fully. Because memory fades. Details blur. And eventually, even the most vivid experiences can become harder to recall. 

Why Capturing Your Story Matters 

The people who come after us—our kids, grandkids, and beyond—don’t automatically know who we were. They might know the broad strokes. Where we lived. What we did for work. Maybe a few stories that get told again and again. But they don’t know what it felt like to be you in 1996. Or 1976. Or 2016. 

They don’t know what made you laugh, what you worried about, or what you dreamed of, unless you tell them. 

How to Turn Memories Into Artifcts 

That’s where Artifcting comes in. Artifcting is the act of preserving not just your objects, but the stories behind them—so they can live on far beyond your memory. Looking for an easy way to get started?  

1. Start with What You Already Have

Look around your home. Open a drawer, a closet, or an old box in the attic.  Find something that instantly takes you back: 

• A photo from the ‘90s
• A concert t-shirt (Fun fact! Our Advisory Board Member Matt Paxton recently spent an afternoon with his teenage son Artifcting his vintage concert t-shirts from the 90s.)
• A piece of jewelry
• A letter or postcard 

If it sparks a memory, it’s worth preserving. 

2. Capture the Story, Not Just the Object

Ask yourself: 

• Where did this come from?
• Why did it matter to me?
• What was happening in my life at the time?
• Who was I then? 

The object is just the entry point—the story is what gives it meaning. 

3. Add Context That Only You Can Provide

This is the part no one else can recreate, especially the most well-intentioned AI-apps that promise to tell you your story. (Naturally, we have our doubts about that.)

Describe the details: 

• What you were wearing?
• Who you were with?
• What the world felt like at that moment?

These personal insights transform a simple item into a living memory. 

4. Preserve It Digitally

Open the Artifcts App and upload your photo or a photo of your item and pair it with your story. Now it’s not just stored—it’s documented, searchable, and shareable with the people who matter most. Bonus! Add audio or video too for greater context and details that only you can provide. 

5. Share It Across Generations

Invite your family into the experience by privately sharing the Artifct with them. Your stories become a bridge—connecting generations through shared history, personal insight, and emotional truth. 

Your Story Is Still Unfolding 

Thinking back to 1996 might feel like a fun exercise in nostalgia. But it’s also a reminder: the life you’re living right now will one day be “way back then,” too. 

What from today will you wish you had captured? 

• The coffee mug you use every morning
• The playlist that defines this season of your life
• The photo sitting unnoticed on your phone 

These are tomorrow’s Artifcts just waiting to be captured today. You don’t need a milestone. You don’t need a perfect story. You just need a moment—and the willingness to preserve it. 

So ask yourself again: Where were you in 1996? Then take the next step. Capture it. Tell it. Artifct it. Because your story deserves to be remembered—not just by you, but by everyone who comes after. 

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You might also enjoy reading these related ARTIcles:

Photos + Timelines Go Better Together

How to Artifct That Photo

How to Artifct That Heirloom

© 2026 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

There’s something almost magical about the objects we keep. 

A framed photograph on the wall. A handwritten recipe card tucked into a drawer. A ring passed down through generations. These items are more than ‘stuff’—they are vessels of memory, identity, and connection. 

However, we also keep, either intentionally or unintentionally, vast collections of other items, trinkets, and do-dads. Don’t believe me? Take a look at your junk drawer and let’s talk. 

According to an article in the LA Times, the average American home contains 300,000 items. Now that’s a lot of ‘stuff.’ If you took just one minute to briefly examine each item, it would take you 5,000 hours, or roughly 208 days. That's a lot of time, especially if you inherit an estate and are trying to get to the bottom of what the objects are and if they have any value. 

At Artifcts, we believe there is a better way to not only sort and organize the items we keep and the keepsakes we love, but to also document the value, history, and stories that go along with those items.  

From Object to Story in Seconds 

We created our Artifcts QR code stickers to solve a simple but meaningful problem: how do you seamlessly connect the physical objects in your life with the stories behind them? 

No more printing, cutting, or searching for labels. Just grab a sheet of durable, weatherproof stickers, place one on your item, scan it, and start creating. Each scan prompts you to either create a new Artifct or link the sticker to an existing one—instantly tying that object to its digital story. It’s organization, storytelling, and preservation—all in one simple action. 

But Here’s Where It Gets Personal… 

With Artifcts, you can add audio and video to every Artifct you create. That means when someone scans your QR code sticker, they don’t just read about the object—they experience it. 

• They can hear the laughter in your voice.
• They can see the way your hands move as you demonstrate a recipe.
• They can feel the emotion behind the memory. 

Because sometimes, the story isn’t just what happened—it’s how it’s told. Audio and video are powerful keepers of memories. They capture inflection, personality, and even the little imperfections that make memories real and human. 

Imagine the Possibilities 

Once you start thinking about it, you’ll see opportunities everywhere. 

📸 Photo Frames That Speak 

That wedding photo on your wall? Add a QR code sticker to the back. Now, when your children or grandchildren scan it, they don’t just see the image—they hear you tell the story of that day. Maybe even watch a short video clip from the reception. A single photo becomes a living memory. 

Sorry, this Artifct is private! But it definitely has a QR code sticker attached to the back of the frame. 

💍 Jewelry with a Voice 

A ring isn’t just beautiful—it has a past. Was it your mother’s? Does it now have a special meaning to you? Attach a sticker to the jewelry box, and suddenly that piece carries its full story. Imagine hearing your mother explain where it came from, who owned it before her, and why it mattered. That’s legacy—preserved in her own voice. 

🧁 Recipes That Come to Life 

Yes, you can save Grandma’s famous biscuit recipe. But with Artifcts, you can do so much more. Attach a QR code sticker to the recipe card or cookbook. Now, when it’s scanned: 

• You hear her voice explaining why she never measures the flour exactly 
• You see a video of her hands gently folding the dough 
• You catch the little tips that never made it onto paper 
• It’s no longer just a recipe—it’s an experience passed down through generations. 

🎨 Collections, Keepsakes, and Everyday Treasures 

From antiques to travel souvenirs, children’s artwork to military memorabilia—every item has a story waiting to be told. Artifcts QR code stickers make it easy to catalog, organize, and preserve those stories without interrupting your flow. You can move from room to room, scanning and storytelling as you go, building a meaningful, searchable collection of your life.   

Ready to get started? Start small. Pick one object that matters to you. Tell its story. Add your voice. You might just discover that what you’re really preserving isn’t just your belongings…It’s your legacy. 

 © 2026 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.