A Generational Journal is a journal kept by someone in the family for the purpose of passing on information to future generations. The difference between a Generational Journal and a Family History or Memoir Journal is that a generational journal focuses less on facts and dates and more on the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of the current generation.
Supplies for Generational Journaling
A Generational Journal is written in the first person just like most other journals. Although generally it has only one author, there are no steadfast rules about this. Other family members can be encouraged to contribute to the journal to allow for differing perspectives on a single topic or to highlight the differences in personality between family members.
Since the intention of the journal is to be passed on, it is important to select a journal that will last for as many years as possible. When choosing a journal, writers should ensure the pages are acid-free. Writers should never assume a journal is acid-free simply because other similar journals are. Only select those that state 'acid free' on the manufacturers label or on the journal itself.
Writing instruments should also be acid free and, if possible, should contain pigment ink. The best place to look for acid free pens is in a store that carries a large selection of scrapbooking materials. Writers should only select pens that clearly indicate on the manufacturers label or case that the ink is acid free. Scrapbook stores often carry these pens in a variety of styles and colours.
Topics for Generational Journals
Generational Journals are written with the intent that the journal - if properly preserved - will be read by family in future generations. This should be kept in mind when choosing a topic to write about. A good rule to follow is that is someone in the current generation could be hurt or placed at some kind of risk by what is written, it might be better left out.
There are many appropriate topics to choose from for journal entries. They can range from personal perspectives on life, parenting and alternative lifestyles to opinion pieces on the economy or the current political climate in different countries. Here are just a few theme suggestions for Generational Journaling:
- About the Author (or authors)
- Current Parenting Trends
- Current Events (world, national or local)
- Lessons Learned Over a Lifespan (by an older writer)
- The Evolution of Technology
- Personal Thoughts on Homemaking
- The Roles of Women and Men in Society
- Personal Preferences and Pet Peeves (of the writer)
- Medical Issues and Ailments in the Family
One way to find topics to write about is for the writer to ask herself what she would have liked to have known about her ancestors and their way of life. If the writer is curious about such topics there is a good chance that future generations will be curious about similar topics.
Dressing Up the Journal
A Generational Journal does not have to contain only written journal entries. Writers can include any additional snippets of information they feel may add to the value and interest of the journal - such as photographs, school concert programs, or personal drawings. Not all these kinds of extras will be acid free. There are acid neutralizing sprays available at some scrapbook stores that can be used on such items.
Although it is not possible to completely predict what kind of technology will be available in the future, some writers include music CD's with the top 10 songs of the year or home video DVD's of a special event such as a reunion or other rare milestone to include in their journals.
Multimedia extras such as music CD's, DVD's, photo's, drawings and other memorabilia will add bulk to the journal so it is best done in moderation. Writers who prefer more visual aids than written entries might want to consider compiling a Heritage Scrapbook to accompany their Generational Journal or focus only on a Heritage Scrapbook and include periodic short entries to accompany each piece of memorabilia.
History books can provide facts and statistics about lifestyles and world change over decades. Generational Journaling provides writers with an opportunity to personalize their own perspective on those events. Unpublished writers can also include bits of their work to showcase for the future generations so that great great grand children who take up writing might know where their talent came from.
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