How to Create a Genealogy Wall

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

30 Jan 2009 01:40 PM

Many years ago when I was visiting some aunts, cousins, etc in Queens, NY, I spotted something that I always wanted to try when I got older and had a family of my own. My Aunt's house (one of my father's six sisters, the one with the grandson who is a hollywood actor) featured some photographs on the wall behind the couch.

While photographs behind on the wall behind the couch is as common in Queens as beveled mirrors, this one was different and inspiring. It featured a wedding portrait of my aunt and uncle of course, but also the wedding portraits of their children and the wedding portrait of her parents (also my father's mother and father). This was the beginning of a genealogy wall long before the craft of genealogy went mainstream.

To make a true genealogy wall, follow these steps:

1. First select a spot in your home. For us, we are settling on either the family room or the upstairs hallway, which is in a gallery style.

2. Do your research and gather your photographs and other memorabilia. I have my paternal grandmother's papers from when she entered America for the first time at Ellis Island, my maternal grandfather's merchant marine papers, and tons of stuff from my own parents that I can include.

3. Frame your finds in photo frames or shadow boxes. Be sure choose photographs and memorabilia that fits the size of your space and your family. Smaller families can go larger with photographs, for example. You can photocopy items to reduce their size, keeping the originals archived in a safe place.

3. Plan out a map of how you will place items on the wall. Use a piece of paper to plan it out first. If you are married and want to feature both sides of the family, place a photograph of you and your spouse in the middle, allowing for room to grow as you learn more and gain new materials to hang. Individual photos of you are fine as well.

4. Place a personalized saying above your hung photos and memorabilia to complete the wall. It may have your family name, for example. I personally like the saying "All because two people fell in love." Stencil, free hand paint or use adhesive letters.

That's all. What a great gift to show your children their heritage. Enjoy your wall!

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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