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When it comes to preserving and sharing the stories of family
heirlooms (something we talk a lot about here at Family
Tree Magazine) I think it’s important to log not only antiques that have been
in your family for generations, but also newer objects you hope will become heirlooms.

That’s why, as part of the Heirloom Registry
Scavenger Hunt, I registered my childhood rocking chair in Houstory’s Heirloom
Registry.

The registry is a site where you can keep a log of your family heirlooms. You affix
an Heirloom Registry sticker to an inconspicuous spot on each item, and your descendants
can use the code on the sticker to look up what you had to say about that object.

This chair is something I played with, and I hope my daughter Norah will play with
it. Santa (aka Mom and Dad) gave it to my two older sisters and me when I was about
18 months old, which would have been in 1975. My mom says that I “kind of took over
ownership.” This makes me feel better about my sisters always hiding my dolls and
calling shotgun first when we were kids.

I  considered posting a photo of myself sitting in the chair, but the only one
we have is a diaper shot. So instead I offer this:

Yes, I get to kiss those chubby almost-4-month-old cheeks every day.

Even if you don’t want to register your family heirlooms online, pleasepleaseplease
write down information about them (you can use the free
downloadable Heirloom Inventory on FamilyTreeMagazine.com) and share copies with
loved ones. Please.

Now for the scavenger hunt fun! 

• If you’d like to start the scavenger hunt now, go to The Houstory Hearth blog’s special Scavenger
  Hunt Page. There you’ll find information about the hunt, the prizes, and the list
  of the other three blogs you’ll need to visit today.

• If you already know what you’re doing, here’s the Heirloom Registry ID Code you need
  to obtain my secret word: CEFD-304-562-5138-2011

• If this is your final stop for Hunt No. 1, be sure to submit your entry
  form with your secret words before Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at midnight PST.
  Instructions for Hunt No. 2, which starts on March 6, will be posted at the
  Houstory Hearth blog at 12 a.m. EST on March 6. Good luck—and happy hunting!