Once your grandchildren are grown some will appreciate your effort, some won’t. I have family photos going back to the 19th century which I value, some siblings and cousins have no interest, others do. It’s history, it’s family. Put forth the effort to save them and definitely label them if you know who they are and any other details you know of the individual. Someone will appreciate it. If your family is large enough one of your descendents will be bitten by the genealogy bug and will find the treasure trove you put together invaluable.
Love your post!
My paternal grandmother was the family genealogist. She had photos and meticulously written notes about our ancestors going back to Scotland. Alas, she developed Alheimer’s and, in a fit of depression, destroyed most of it.
My best advice is to share everything, and now. Having family members hold copies of historical family documents, even if they don’t share your passion, ensures that those who do can know their heritage.
“Someone will appreciate it. If your family is large enough one of your descendents will be bitten by the genealogy bug and will find the treasure trove you put together invaluable.”
This is true. When I was younger I was annoyed with all the “junk” my mother felt the need to pack-rat away. Then when the ancestry sites started gaining in popularity I gave it a try. (Mostly for my mother, her mother died when she was a child and was hoping to find out more on that side of the family.)
I got hooked fast and really gained appreciation for all the “junk” which had ended up being alot of pieces she accumulated from her mother’s pack-rat tendencies. I’ve slowly figured out this is a genetic trait...as I watch my own hoard grow.
Anyway, getting to the point: I am always SO thankful that any peice of my family history has been saved. I could talk for a solid hour about the gems I’ve come across and I will spare ya’ll that...but I guarantee someone will appreciate your effort!