How to create a family history book

Locating new records, breaking through a research brickwall, finding a vital clue to your ancestors' story... these are the moments that make genealogy such a satisfying pastime, but sharing these discoveries with family and friends presents another set of challenges; the seemingly sober records often don't do justice to the story behind them, especially to the uninitiated.

This is where a little professional input can really help.

Companies such as Legacy Books provide all the services you need to create and share your family history book. With professional researchers, writers, copy editors, and designers, the company turns those records into a beautifully produced book; your family story.

'With our family histories we take an individual approach, working with you to create an engaging story that captures the essence of your family journey,' John Catron, the CEO of Legacy Books, told us.

'Some of our clients prefer an in-depth, flowing narrative to accompany their genealogy information, while others prefer a book with short stories. Either approach, when mixed with family trees, pedigree charts, pictures, and basic genealogy – can make a special impact.' These precious family heirlooms are designed to 'inspire and empower future generations'.

Quick Links

• Professional Family History Research
• Telling the Family Story
• Putting Your Family Story in Context
• Designing and Printing Your Legacy Book
• An International Service
• Find Out More

Professional Family History Research

The service Legacy Books provide isn't limited to the design and print of your book; if required, the company's professional researchers can dig into public records to find the records, names, and dates that punctuate your ancestors' stories. 

'Our skilled genealogists carefully study historical records and documents to find accurate and detailed information. This multifaceted investigation builds the foundation for your family history.'

Telling the Family Story

For many family historians who have already researched much of their ancestry, it is the next step in the process - turning this information into an engaging tale - that is more of a challenge, and Legacy Books’ business is to 'bridge the gap between historical facts and personal stories.'

Their team members interview family members to capture their memories and preserve the stories. 'By working with you, we blend these personal accounts with the narrative of your family’s history, bringing your heritage to life.' 

As the researchers at Legacy Books explain:

'Our expertise goes beyond just collecting information. We meticulously organise and analyse everything we find to reveal connections and patterns that uncover the fascinating journey of your ancestors. The final result? A captivating family tale that goes beyond dates and names. It becomes a vibrant picture with historical details and personal stories, a tribute to the remarkable lives that shaped your own.'

Putting your family story into context

The process of turning genealogy into a family story doesn't stop there. By incorporating historical facts and period-appropriate information, the stories can be placed into context, giving the reader a clearer idea of how and why the story unfolded in the way it did. 

'When desired, we can incorporate historical context into your story to provide readers with an understanding of the historical, social, and other forces that took place at the time of your ancestors.'

The addition of photographs and documents adds more context and colour to the story.

'This method… lets you not only discover your lineage but also see the world they inhabited and the people they knew, fostering a deeper connection to your ancestors.'

Designing and printing your family history book

The final piece of the puzzle is the layout and production of the legacy book, something which most of us might struggle with if we were doing it on our own, so it's no surprise that there are experts on hand to walk you through this process.

'Legacy Books will always lead out with a professional design and layout effort, but our collaborative approach allows you to personalise your book, from the cover to the layout of the pages, to ensure it reflects your preferences.'

'Whether you’re seeking either a modern or classic style, we’ll help you design a timeless book you’ll be proud to hand down to your children.'

Legacy Books prints books in low quantities, prints in bulk, and also sets their client's books up on a print-on-demand service, ensuring clients have many options for book distribution. Online book options are also offered. 

Legacy Books provides a wide range of services, and the process can take 8-10 months, but it typically depends upon the scope and the client’s needs. Whilst Legacy Books are based in the United States, they consult and provide services to clients worldwide. 

Find Out More

Legacy Books is the leading provider of custom-designed, custom-crafted books for individuals, families, and organisations who wish to preserve their legacies. Contact Legacy Books using the online form.

Website: legacybooks.com
Phone (USA): (800)-208-1405