How to create a family history book

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23 December 2024
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Creating a family history book is a wonderful way to preserve your ancestry and inspire future generations with a legacy that goes beyond dates and names. But the task of turning documents and facts into an engaging story is a challenging one, meaning professional help is always welcome. Find out more about creating a genealogy book with this guide from Legacy Books.

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.

Just as their name suggests, Legacy Books (the sponsors of this post) provide all the services you need to create and share your family history. With professional researchers, writers, copy editors, and designers, the company turns those records into a beautifully produced book; your family story.

'We at Legacy Books take an individual approach, working with you to create an engaging story that captures the essence of your life,' says John Catron, the CEO of Legacy Books. These precious family heirlooms are designed to 'inspire and empower future generations' he adds.

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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 the archives to find the records, names, and dates that punctuate your ancestors' stories.

'Our skilled genealogists carefully study historical records and documents and use advanced research methods 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, the next step in the process - turning this information into an engaging tale - is more of a challenge, and Legacy Books expertly 'bridge the gap between historical facts and personal stories.'

The experts interview family members to capture their memories and preserve their precious 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 in Context

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

'We meticulously incorporate the 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 Legacy Book

The final piece of the puzzle is the layout and production of the legacy book, and it's no surprise that there are experts on hand to walk you through this process.

The collaborative approach allows you to personalise your book, from the cover to the layout of the pages, to ensure it truly 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.'

A print-on-demand service means you can request as many copies of your legacy book as required, and a bulk printing option is also available if you're keen to distribute the book far and wide.

In total, the process takes around 8 to 10 months, a sign of the attention to detail and care that Legacy Books offers.

An International Service

Whist Legacy Books are based in the United States, the service is available worldwide. Consultation can be remote, and international shipping is available. 


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

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