Symbols of our Families
Our ancestors valued their lives in America. They passed important ideas down to their children. Some of us are lucky enough to also have artifacts-- things our ancestors wore, used and had fun with-- given from generation to generation.
Vase
USA
Mother
This vase belonged to my great grandmother. When she died, my mom brought it to her house. It broke, but my mom still keeps it.
I am named after my great grandmother who was an amazing woman.
Keepsake Bracelet
Italy
Grandmother Arlene S
Grandpa Stuart gave it to Grandma Arlene when they were dating. It has a lot of sentimental value to her because it will always have a piece of remembrance to Grandpa Stuart.
It is of significance to the family that it will be mine to remember Grandma Arlene.
Gold Star of David Necklace
Brooklyn, NY
Grandmother
My great-grandmother named Dinah was my grandmother's mother on my mother's side of the family. She was a single mother of two girls because her husband died when my grandmother was only five years old. She didn't have much, but she this necklace was one of her prized processions.
My great-grandmother passed the necklace to my grandmother, Elaine, who now passed it down to me. Even thought I never knew my great-grandmother Dinah, I know she was a very special woman. I'm blessed to have this little piece of her. Someday, I will give it to my daughter.
Necklace
USA
My Dad
This necklace belonged to my grandmother, Florence T. She died about three years ago. She was very sweet.
Our family misses her a lot and remembers her through this necklace. It made me happy when my dad gave it to me. I feel like when I wear it, she is with me. I will keep it as a memory of her.
Teapot
England
Great grandmother
James Sadler became a household name after crafting high-quality teapots and his company became one of the top manufacturers of teapots in the United Kingdom. As time went on, James Sadler went on to create many different teapot designs, which my great grandmother liked to collect.
This is significant because when my family and I look at the cup, we think about how much it meant to my great grandmother and how I will pass the cup down throughout my life.
Mini-Harmonica
Worcester, MA
My mom
My Great Grandmother's friend gave this harmonica to her as a birthday gift. She would use it to entertain my mom and my mom's sister.
It made everybody really happy when my great grandmother played it.
Monogram Pinky Ring
New York
My dad
The ring was given to my father by his mother at his Bar Mitzvah. The ring was her father's, Earnest K., who my father was named for. It is a special keepsake to be passed down.
The ring is vey important because of its initials, EK. Someday the ring will be passed down to me. Hopefully one day I will be able to pass it down to my children.
Tea Glass Holder
Turkey
My mother
Many decades ago crystal glasses were placed in holders like these. My great grandma gave of set of these cup holders to my mother.
They serve as a memory.
Soup Skimmer and Bottle Opener
Passaic County
Parents
Our grandpa Howard was a good cook and he cooked a lot. He liked to make soup and brisket. The soup skimmer was used when he cooked soup. The bottle opener was used when he made brisket because he always cooked a bottle of beer in his brisket.
In our family we share a love of good food and lots of home cooking. Our grandpa loved to feed people and these tools tell a tale of some of the things he would cook.
Radio/Model Car
Japan
My father
My grandfather collected model cars and when he died my dad, uncle and aunt got the cars.
This car's significance to my family is that it was my grandfather's. He died when he was 62 and my dad takes every chance he can to have things of his. This car was chosen because it is also a radio.