In our closing episode of Season Two, we’re joined by Annette Gendler, writer, teacher, and author of How to Write Compelling Stories from Family History. Annette shares the story of her father’s Latin-German dictionary, a well-worn heirloom that has outlived generations and continues to carry meaning far beyond the words on its pages.
This conversation invites us to think about the role of language in family memory, how everyday objects become vessels of history, and why writing about heirlooms can open doors into stories we didn’t know how to tell. Annette also speaks about her workshops, where she guides others in finding and shaping their own family narratives, often beginning with a single cherished object.
As we close out this season of Keepsake Chronicles, Annette’s story reminds us that keepsakes are more than artifacts. They are starting points, invitations to write, to remember, and to connect the threads of the past with the lives we’re living now.
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What is Keepsake Chronicles — Legacy & Storytelling?
Keepsake Chronicles is a storytelling podcast that explores the profound connection between the objects we keep and the lives we lead. Hosted by J.D. Murgolo, we go beyond the surface of antiques to uncover the oral histories and ancestral threads woven into the items we hold onto.
Through personal narratives and intimate interviews, we dive into the human-centered stories of grief, love, and legacy hidden within every memento. Whether it’s a well-worn dictionary or a vintage steamer trunk, we believe that preserving family memories through the things we carry is a sacred act of stewardship. Join us as we prove that sometimes, a keepsake isn't just a thing, it's a whole life in your hand.