Mark Emery, a lifelong lover of history, has taken on the role of preserving his family’s incredible legacy.

Mark Emery at Gerringong History Museum surround by his father's legacy

Christmas is the perfect time to start sharing the stories you want to be part of your family history. Gather the family, have some fun, and interview the older generation—ask about their memories, the funny stories, and the moments that matter. Take some great photos and make a point of labelling them with names and dates. And if you’re ready to begin preserving those stories, start your journey by finding a special place to keep it all—a suitcase, like the one Mark Emery inherited, that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Growing up on Avonlea, the family’s dairy farm overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Gerroa, Mark inherited not only a love for hard work but also a passion for storytelling from his parents, Clive and Elva. While his father meticulously collected the family’s historical records—letters, postcards, and photographs—his mother ensured that the women’s stories were remembered too.

Today, Mark is sharing those family records and stories through The Bugle, helping the community connect with the past. He also volunteers at the Gerringong History Centre once a month, encouraging everyone to start recording their own family history before it’s too late. Here are Mark’s heartfelt tips and tricks for anyone ready to preserve their own family’s legacy:

Start Now, Start Small; Don’t wait for the “right moment” to start—just begin. Jot down the basics: names, dates, and relationships. Every piece matters.

Write Down the Stories: Facts are important, but don’t forget the funny or poignant moments that make your family unique. Those stories will be the ones future generations cherish the most.

Label Your Photos: Always write the names of the people, the date, and the location on the back of your photos. It saves endless confusion and preserves memories for future generations.

Record the Women’s Stories Too: Like Mark’s mother, Elva, make sure the contributions and voices of the women in your family are remembered. Their stories are just as vital as the milestones.

Talk to Family Members While You Can: Have conversations with your older relatives. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was life like when you were young?” or “What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?”

Save Letters and Postcards: These are tiny time capsules, filled with emotion and details of daily life. Preserve them carefully, and consider scanning them for safekeeping.

Use a Family Tree Tool: Visualising your family’s connections helps you map out your history. Online tools like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage can help you build an interactive tree.

Digitise and Back Up Everything: Scan old photos, documents, and letters to create digital backups. This ensures they’ll be safe even if the originals are damaged or lost.

Include Historical Context: Add context to your stories by placing family events alongside major historical events. It helps future generations understand what life might have been like.

Preserve Heirlooms: Photograph family treasures—whether it’s your grandmother’s ring or your great-grandfather’s Bible—and write down the stories behind them.

Write a Legacy Letter: Summarise your family’s history and values in a letter for future generations. It’s a meaningful way to connect them to their past.

Keep It Honest: Families aren’t perfect, and that’s okay. Include the struggles as well as the triumphs; they’re part of what makes your family story real.

Make It Fun: Share your discoveries with your family. Pull out old photos during gatherings, or create a book of family recipes and the stories behind them.

Use Mark’s Suitcase Rule: Mark keeps many of his father’s records in the original suitcase they were stored in. Whether it’s a box or a digital folder, have a dedicated space for your family’s history.

Volunteer or Donate to History Centres: Mark shares his time and family records with the Gerringong History Centre. Consider donating copies of your family stories to local historical societies to preserve them for the wider community.

Be Persistent, But Patient: Building a family history takes time. Focus on small steps, celebrate milestones, and remember that it’s a labour of love.

Encourage Others to Start: Mark reminds us, “Start now. Write it down before it’s too late. Your family will thank you.” Even if it’s just a few stories or labelled photos, every little bit makes a difference.

For Mark, preserving history is about more than just the past—it’s about creating connections for the future. His work reminds us that stories are not just told; they are built, cherished, and passed on. So grab a notebook, start asking questions, and let your family’s legacy live on. As Mark says, “It’s the funny little stories and the names on the backs of photos that keep us alive in the hearts of those who come after us.”