Storyline Genealogy Services

Legacy Keepsakes

Beyond the research — narrative pieces that bring your ancestors to life

At Storyline Genealogy, we believe that genealogy isn't just about names and dates — it's about the lives behind them. Our Legacy Keepsakes transform your family research into beautifully crafted pieces designed to be treasured, framed, read aloud at gatherings, and passed down through generations.

These are more than documents. They are heirlooms.

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Documentary Biographies

A comprehensive narrative of your ancestor's life, woven from census records, vital documents, newspaper clippings, and family memories. Beautifully formatted for printing or sharing digitally.

  • 10–20 page narrative with timeline
  • Professional typography and design
  • Delivered as Word and PDF
  • Ready for printing as a family keepsake

Legacy Letters & Essays

Personal reflections that capture the meaning of an ancestor's life — what they endured, what they built, what they left behind. Written in collaboration with you or on your behalf.

  • Letters written in your ancestor's voice
  • Reflective essays for descendants
  • Perfect for family gatherings or memorials
  • Can be personalized for specific recipients

Commemorative Poetry

Original poems that distill an ancestor's story into something timeless — designed to be framed, read aloud, or included in family histories.

  • Custom poems based on your ancestor's life
  • Single-page format perfect for framing
  • Elegant typography with decorative elements
  • Multiple revision rounds included

Ancestor Tributes

Short, powerful pieces that capture the essence of who your ancestor was — their struggles, their triumphs, and the lessons their life offers.

  • 2–3 page tribute narratives
  • Focus on character, resilience, and legacy
  • Ideal for sharing at reunions
  • Can be adapted for obituaries or memorials

From Our Own Family

From ancestors we knew to those we've only met through records — the pieces below were created for our family. We offer the same for yours.

Commemorative Poem

"Cutting Straight"

A poem for Miles Murtha O'Brien (1904–1984), the carpenter who fell from a scaffold and worked with double vision for fifty more years.

Read the Poem →

Legacy Essay

"What He Built"

A granddaughter's reflection on a grandfather who never said much but showed her everything — through candy in his pocket, silver in a purple bag, and a birthday cake cut with a saw.

Read the Essay →

Legacy Letter

"The Fire in Your Blood"

A letter from Owen Hamall (1847–1898) to his descendants — written in his voice, sharing what he wants them to know about courage, loss, and the fire that started burning in County Monaghan.

Read the Letter →

Legacy Letter

"The Hotel Keeper's Secret"

A letter from Terrence O'Brien (c. 1833–1874) to his descendants — written in his voice, sharing what he wants them to know about building empires, taking risks, and the secret he died trying to tell.

Read the Letter →

Documentary Biography

"The Carpenter Who Built with Double Vision"

The complete story of Miles Murtha O'Brien — from orphaned child to self-employed carpenter to patriarch of nineteen grandchildren.

Read the Biography →

Documentary Biography Series

"Hidden Bonds"

A multi-episode documentary biography series tracing the O'Brien family from Jamaica, Queens — orphans, hidden fortunes, and bonds that endured.

Explore the Series →

Investment

Commemorative Poem

$150

single ancestor

  • Custom original poem
  • Based on research or your notes
  • Single-page frameable format
  • Two revision rounds
  • Word and PDF delivery

Legacy Letter or Essay

$250

2–4 pages

  • Personal reflection or tribute
  • Written in collaboration with you
  • Professional formatting
  • Two revision rounds
  • Word and PDF delivery

Documentary Biography

$500–$800

10–20 pages

  • Comprehensive narrative
  • Timeline and family summary
  • Based on existing research
  • Professional design
  • Print-ready format

Complete Legacy Package

$1,000

best value

  • Documentary biography
  • Commemorative poem
  • Legacy letter or essay
  • All formatted as keepsakes
  • Unlimited revisions

Pricing assumes research is complete. Legacy Keepsakes can be added to any research package at a reduced rate. Custom requests welcome.

Create a Lasting Tribute

Every ancestor has a story worth preserving. Let us help you tell it in a way that will be treasured for generations.

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